The NFL had an exclusive streaming deal with Verizon that recently ended. That has enabled NBCUniversal to reach a deal with the NFL to stream Sunday Night Football games via TV Everywhere on smartphones, PCs, and tablets. Verizon has inked a new contract but it’s on a non-exclusive basis. The deal is not going to take effect until next year and since it covers the 2018 season, viewers will be able to tune in and watch regular season games.
Viewers will require TV service to get in on the action. They will be able to watch regular season games throughout 2018. They won’t have an ad-free experience, though. When the game is streamed using any NBC app or website, viewers will have to put up with both national and local affiliate promos.
This isn’t a standalone streaming option it goes to show that the NFL’s partners can now be more flexible with their offerings given that Verizon no longer has exclusivity on mobile viewing.
This may lead to an increase in the number of people who spectate online while reducing the need to gather around a big television set to watch an important game. NBC’s Sunday Night Football stream for mobile devices will go live early next year.