The NFL has launched its streaming services platform betting on the growing number of cord-cutters from cable TV. These subscribers belong to a category that will pay to watch certain games on their mobile devices.
The National Football league NFL+ streaming services debuts on Monday and will cost users $39.99 annually or $4.99 monthly. The platform will show live games, shows from NFL Network, and films from NFL archives. The service also offers a premium version that offers commercial-free games replay at $79.99 annually or $9.99 monthly.
The most popular television programming remains the NFL. Two years ago, after its viewership declined, the regular season saw a 10% rise last year. The viewership of 17.1 million per game was the highest since 2015.
However, it is a challenging time to start a new streaming service. The US inflation is at its highest point in four decades and has squeezed household budgets.
Consumers are scaling back their entertainment spending. The NFL+ will also compete with several other streaming services focusing on a wide range of sports, and some even show NFL games.
Verizon Communications Inc. owned the broadcasting rights of NFL games on Tablets and Phones. Last year it revised its deal with the National Football League. The new streaming service from NFL+ will combine the mobile rights with NFL Game Pass. At the same time, US subscribers will no longer get standalone products on mobile.
Scattered Viewing Options
The NFL has worked out its media rights in many ways allowing young fans who do not have cable to access its services. It has, however, fragmented the media landscape also. Fans must sort out games on different apps, devices, and markets.
New Target Audience
For instance, NFL+ will show season and postseason games regularly. Subscribers can, however, watch games only in prime time.
The Sunday matchups usually shown on the local TV market are also available to subscribers. Plus, subscribers must watch those games on their tablets or mobiles.
The NFL+ will appeal to cord-cutters who do not subscribe to cable TV. These viewers cannot see Sunday games on Fox or CBS or have any other option to watch local channels.
The national football league, in the meantime, is looking for new ownership of NFL Sunday Tickets. DirecTV presently holds the Sunday rights. They allow subscribers to watch Sunday games beyond their home market.
