The highly-anticipated launch of YouTube’s NFL “Sunday Ticket” streaming service is set to take place this weekend, marking a significant shift in the sports broadcasting landscape.
What Happened: This weekend will be the first instance of YouTube TV hosting the NFL’s out-of-market Sunday afternoon games, a position previously held by DirecTV since 1994, reported NBC News.
YouTube TV inked a seven-year contract with the NFL last December, worth over $2 billion per season. This inaugural “NFL Sunday Ticket” season on YouTube TV is a significant part of this endeavor.
The package, which aligns with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s goal of reaching a wider audience through streaming, will be available as an add-on on YouTube TV or separately on YouTube Primetime Channels.
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Is YouTube Ready?
In late May, YouTube TV encountered extensive service disruptions during the initial pair of matches in the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals featuring the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, the report noted.
Christian Oestlien, YouTube’s vice president of product, said that the platform has invested considerably in infrastructure and systems to ensure a smooth viewing experience.
Despite the wider reach, “Sunday Ticket” remains a premium product.
It is available to YouTube TV subscribers for $299, while non-subscribers need to shell out $399. Additional packages, such as the NFL RedZone channel, can be added for an extra cost.
The service will allow fans to watch multiple games simultaneously, introducing a new level of engagement on the platform.
Why It Matters: Last year, YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc. GOOG GOOGL, outbid several tech and streaming companies, including perceived frontrunner Apple Inc. AAPL, for the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket.
The move generated mixed reactions across social media, primarily due to the price increase.
This strategic move by YouTube and the NFL indicates a broader trend toward streaming services acquiring sports broadcasting rights.
As traditional cable TV continues to lose ground, the success of YouTube’s NFL Sunday Ticket could pave the way for more such partnerships.
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