Last month, we told you that Verizon and the NFL were close to renewing the company’s mobile streaming deal. The two sides have now officially announced a new agreement which takes effect next month and will last through the 2022 season. Sports Business Daily reports that the NFL will see Verizon’s rights fee nearly double, going from $250 million annually to almost $500 million.
Unlike the previous deal, in which only Verizon Wireless subscribers could watch games on their mobile phones, the new deal allows viewers to watch regardless of their wireless carrier of choice, which means subscribers to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and other networks like Virgin Mobile will be able to watch on their phones.
Here are some of the details that have been released by the NFL and Verizon:
- This year’s NFL Playoffs will be streamed on Verizon’s various platforms, including Yahoo Sports, in addition to Verizon’s go90 and the NFL mobile app.
- Verizon will continue to have rights to in-market Sunday afternoon games on CBS and Fox. As it has with its previous contract, Verizon will continue to stream Monday Night, Thursday Night, and Sunday Night Football.
- Verizon also increases its sponsorship level with the NFL, becoming the title sponsor of both the Pro Bowl and the Scouting Combine.
The games will also be made available on the Yahoo app on smart TVs. Verizon will also offer mobile NFL highlights and create original content in conjunction with the NFL.
Starting in January, non-Verizon subscribers will finally be able to access NFL games on their phones and not have to consider switching carriers.
