Twitter won’t be streaming live Thursday Night Football games during the upcoming NFL season, but the social media provider and the league are teaming up for a different sort of partnership. And live programming will be a part of this new agreement.
On Thursday, the two sides announced a deal that will allow Twitter to provide original NFL content throughout the year, including official NFL video and live programming. The partnership will be headlined by a 30-minute live show produced by the NFL which will air five days a week during the NFL season. The show will feature talent from NFL Network and include news, highlights, power rankings and fantasy football information.
“We are very excited to offer football fans around the world even more content on Twitter from the NFL,” Twitter chief operating officer Anthony Noto said in an official statement. “This new multiyear collaboration will bring compelling live studio programs that discuss what’s happening in the NFL, unique behind-the-scenes live broadcasts before games and the best NFL highlights to Twitter, alongside the real-time NFL conversation.”
The @NFL and @Twitter have entered into a partnership that includes new live programming. The release: pic.twitter.com/QO4iFDTD5O
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 11, 2017
In addition, Twitter — along with Periscope — will provide live pre-game coverage for primetime matchups and key games throughout the season. That coverage is expected to include sideline interviews, footage of player warm-ups and other behind-the-scenes content that can provide a second-screen experience for fans.
Throughout the year, Twitter will also have access to official NFL video for highlights, breaking news and analysis, along with special features such as “Throwback Thursday” historical content.
Twitter aired live streams of Thursday Night Football games last season, but lost out to Amazon for the online package during the 2017 season. Will another studio show attract viewers? This one will be available on computers and mobile devices, which could make a difference. The behind-the-scenes content before games also promise to offer something not typically seen on television, which could be intriguing for fans and media alike.
About Ian Casselberry
Ian is a writer, editor, and podcaster. You can find his work at Awful Announcing and The Comeback. He's written for Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, MLive, Bleacher Report, and SB Nation.