The NFL and Google have officially announced the NFL Sunday Ticket package will air on YouTube TV beginning for the 2023 season.
The partnership was much-rumored earlier this week after talks between the league and Apple reportedly broke down. According to reports, Google will pay the NFL roughly $2 billion per season to host the service.
“We’re excited to bring NFL Sunday Ticket to YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime Channels and usher in a new era of how fans across the United States watch and follow the NFL,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “For a number of years we have been focused on increased digital distribution of our games and this partnership is yet another example of us looking towards the future and building the next generation of NFL fans.”
The package launched in 1994 exclusively on DirecTV, where it has stayed until this season concludes. NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers will not need a subscription to YouTube TV to access the service, while YouTube TV subscribers can add-on Sunday Ticket for an additional cost. Details on what the service would cost on a new provider were not made available.
“YouTube has long been a home for football fans, whether they’re streaming live games, keeping up with their home team, or watching the best plays in highlights,” said Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube. “Through this expanded partnership with the NFL, viewers will now also be able to experience the game they love in compelling and innovative ways through YouTube TV or YouTube Primetime Channels. We’re excited to continue our work with the NFL to make YouTube a great place for sports lovers everywhere.”
One of the issues presented by hosting the service on a digital platform is the potential for bars, restaurants, and other establishments to still feature the service. In a statement, the NFL said it will work with YouTube to “determine additional ways to support distribution of NFL Sunday Ticket in commercial establishments”.
