NFL Rolls Out NFL+ Streaming Service, Continuing DTC Push

The NFL is the latest professional sports league expanding into the subscription streaming space. Beginning today, the National Football League is rolling out a new streaming service, NFL+, which features live out-of-market preseason games, live local and prime-time regular games and postseason games (only on mobile and tablet), as well as live local and national audio, and on-demand access to NFL Network shows and NFL Films archives. “Today marks an important day in the history of the National Football League with the launch of NFL+,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “The passionate and dedicated football fans are the lifeblood of the NFL, and being able to reach and interact with them across multiple platforms is incredibly important to us. We look forward to continuing to grow NFL+ and deepening our relationship with fans across all ages and demographics, providing them access to a tremendous amount of NFL content, including the most valuable content in the media industry: live NFL games.” The offering is an expansion of the league’s existing DTC offering, replacing NFL Game Pass in the U.S. But unlike with Game Pass, subscribers will be able to watch live local games. Before the NFL launched its own DTC product, those live mobile/tablet games were distributed through Yahoo and major mobile carriers through deals that have since expired. Apple Lands Exclusive Major League Soccer Streaming Rights for Every Game NFL+ will be available as part of the NFL app and costs $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year. The league is also offering a higher tier, NFL+ Premium, which includes all NFL+ programming as well as ad-free full and condensed game replays, along with the All-22 Coaches Film. That NFL+ Premium tier costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Reports first surfaced in March that the NFL was developing its own subscription streaming service, while the $5 monthly price and July rollout were first floated in May. Sports' streaming expansion The NFL's further push into DTC comes as other major leagues around the country experiment with streaming. Last month, Major League Soccer fully bet on streaming, partnering with Apple for a 10-year streaming rights deal beginning next year. That upcoming streaming service will be available exclusively through the Apple TV app. Beginning this season, Thursday Night Football is moving exclusively to Amazon Prime Video from Fox. Prime Video had previously been simulcasting the games with the broadcaster. The NFL is still looking for a partner to take over the Sunday Ticket package from DirecTV when the current deal expires in 2023. Apple and Amazon are reportedly in the lead for that package, which gives consumers access to the NFL games that aren't broadcast in their local TV market.

Streaming & OTT

NFL Rolls Out NFL+ Streaming Service, Continuing Direct-to-Consumer Push

Streamer will feature access to live local and prime-time games, NFL Network shows and NFL Films archives

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Mollie Cahillane