Media members and fans did not greet the news that an NFL Playoff game will be behind a paywall in 2024. It is a sort of peak to the trend of games that used to be a part of traditional cable and broadcast television packages moving to a streaming service. Despite groans and protests, it seems that the NFL is more likely to increase the practice than to cut back.
NFL Media GM David Jurenka spoke to Front Office Sports on Monday about the future of the league’s app, NFL+, and revealed that the league can make some games exclusive to the app.
“If it makes sense in terms of how we maximize reach and it’s complementary to the broader media model that we have, I think we’ll look at those things,” Jurenka told Michael McCarthy.
NFL+ launched its service in 2022 and this season, will be raising its prices. Content from NFL Network and NFL RedZone will be available on the app.
“We have been envisioning NFL+ for many years now and (have been) very intentional with what we launched with last year and then what we’re adding with NFL Network and RedZone this year,” Jurenka added.
On Thursday, fans will be able to watch the season-opening matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs on the app. It won’t be an exclusive though. The game will also air on NBC.
