The bidding war between tech and media giants is on the horizon over premium streaming content: NFL Games.
DirecTV’s Sunday Ticket package, which includes all Sunday games of the National Football League (except those that are blacked out in some areas), has been a staple. It is widely believed that DirecTV will not re-up the service after its contract expires in 2022.
The package currently has about 2 million subscribers. Streaming services will likely bid for it. A season-long subscription costs $300. If you agree to a particular programming package, you can get Sunday Ticket free of charge. Those who are unable to get DirecTV may be able to pay the same amount for a streaming service.
Is Sunday Ticket the biggest name expected to play? Apple is in talks with the NFL about the games, according to tech news site The Information, citing people familiar with the situation.
Apple has its own Apple TV streaming devices and platforms, as well as an Apple TV+ streaming service that features original TV series, including Ted Lasso. The Information reported that Amazon Video hired James DeLorenzo, the former head of sports at Amazon Video, to manage its sports division.
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Apple has not responded to our request for comment.
Rumours have been circulating for some time that the NFL is considering streaming to increase its Sunday Ticket audience. DirecTV paid $1.5 billion each year to the NFL for Sunday Ticket rights. However, DirecTV has its own reasons for dropping Sunday Ticket. AT&T announced the spin-off of the TV service by noting that the New DirecTV’s $16.25 billion worth included debt and the elimination or nearly $2.5 billion of NFL Sunday Ticket net losses. This will be paid for by AT&T