The NFL may launch its own streaming service as early as July. The long-rumored NFL+ could allow fans to stream live games on phones and tablets. It may include other content such as podcasts, radio, and team-created content. According to Sports Business Journal, NFL+ may cost $5 a month, but the price isn’t set in stone.
It is believed that the games fans can stream on phones and tablets will be limited to those they can watch on local TV. Yahoo (the parent company of Engadget) and providers have streamed those games before. Those deals have expired, however, and it appears the NFL is retaining the rights.
The report also notes that the league is in talks with potential suitors, including Apple and Amazon, about taking an equity stake in the media business. If such a deal goes through, NFL+ could be made available as part of another streaming service. Amazon is already streaming Thursday Night Football matches on Prime Video. Apple’s has also moved into sports — it streams exclusive MLB games every Friday.
Speaking of the MLB, the NFL seems to be following in that league’s footsteps. It has been streaming out-of-market games on MLB.TV since 2002. The MLB reportedly plans to launch a broader streaming service next year that would include in-market games for fans’ home teams. FIFA also waded into the wide world of streaming last month, with the free, ad-supported service FIFA+.
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