DirecTV NFL Contract Expiration: What it Means for Football Fans
Football season is just around the corner, and for millions of fans across the country, that means tuning in to watch their favorite teams battle it out on the gridiron. However, this year, there is some uncertainty in the air, as the contract between DirecTV and the NFL is set to expire soon.
DirecTV, a subsidiary of AT&T, has long been the go-to provider for NFL fans who want to watch every game of the season. The company offers the NFL Sunday Ticket package, which allows subscribers to watch every out-of-market game, as well as the NFL RedZone channel, which provides live game highlights and analysis.
However, the current contract between DirecTV and the NFL is set to expire after the 2022 season, and negotiations for a new deal have been ongoing for some time. While both parties have expressed a desire to reach an agreement, there are some sticking points that still need to be worked out.
One of the main issues is the cost of the Sunday Ticket package. The current deal gives DirecTV exclusive rights to offer the package, but it comes at a steep price. The company reportedly pays around $1.5 billion per year for the rights, and has been passing some of that cost on to subscribers. Many fans have balked at the high price, and some have even cancelled their subscriptions as a result.
Another issue is the rise of streaming services, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. While DirecTV has its own streaming service, AT&T TV, it faces stiff competition from the likes of Amazon, Hulu, and YouTube TV, all of which offer their own sports packages. The NFL is keen to expand its reach to these platforms, but it remains to be seen how that will affect its relationship with DirecTV.
So what does all of this mean for football fans? For now, it`s unclear. If a new deal between DirecTV and the NFL is reached, fans will likely be able to continue watching every game on their TVs, computers, and mobile devices. However, if negotiations break down, the Sunday Ticket package could become unavailable, or it could be offered by another provider at a different cost.
In the meantime, football fans can rest assured that they`ll still be able to watch their favorite teams this season, whether on TV or online. The NFL remains one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and there`s no shortage of ways to keep up with the action. Whether you`re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there`s never been a better time to be a football fan!