DirecTV’s Red Zone Channel Going Away Next Season

As a result of Google/YouTube’s $14 billion, 7-year deal for “Sunday Ticket” rights, the NFL will only offer the “NFL RedZone” channel produced by the NFL Network next season. Both channels will continue to operate for the rest of the 2022 season.

“On RedZone, we’re going to focus on the Red Zone produced by NFL Media,” said Dhruv Prasad, the NFL senior vice president, media strategy & strategic investments, on Thursday and, confirming a Front Office Sports report on the move. “And that’s what will be available on YouTube.”

Debuting in 2005, DirecTV’s Red Zone channel hosted by Andrew Siciliano was the original must-watch whip-around Sunday show for NFL scoring highlights.

Four years later, the NFL Network launched its version dubbed RedZone. Hosted by Scott Hanson, it also has become a must-watch for many football fans, particularly sports bettors and fantasy players.

Both Hanson and Siciliano work for NFL Network. The NFL has not made any final decisions on talent. But since Hanson has hosted the league’s version for 13 years, he should be considered the favorite.

Meanwhile, the NFL will continue to “evaluate” potential strategic investors/partners for NFL Media, added Prasad. The league’s media arm includes NFL Network, RedZone and and NFL.com.