ESPN and NBCUniversal have extended their media-rights deals with the NFL to include livestreaming games on mobile devices—deals that come after Verizon struck a new digital pact with the league relinquishing its status as the exclusive mobile home for NFL games in the U.S. (Variety)
Both ESPN and NBC have separately announced plans to stream their respective weekly shows, Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football, to smartphones beginning with the 2018 NFL season. You’ll need to be a pay-TV customer if you want to watch games, as authentication is required. (The Verge)
ESPN said the expanded streaming rights will kick in with the NFL Wild Card playoff games on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7. It will also be able to stream the Pro Bowl to phones on Jan. 29. The new deal will also allow ESPN to deliver NFL highlights on an authenticated basis to fans on ESPN-branded properties. (B&C)