• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

NFL Network Undecided About Running More Ads on ‘RedZone’

Host Scott Hanson changed his traditional “commercial-free football” intro. Ads never materialized in the Week 16 edition, but a source says NFL Network remains undecided on future shows.

hanson_smiling
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This Sunday’s edition of NFL RedZone declined to show the split-screen ads which caused a furor among viewers last week. But the question about whether the popular show will truly remain “commercial-free” remains open.

NFL Network remains “undecided” on whether it will employ RedZone ads in the future, said a source with knowledge of the league’s strategy. That means the league could test the double-box ads again during Weeks 17 and 18. Or wait until the 2025 regular season, then bring them in more widely.

On Sunday, host Scott Hanson sparked speculation that viewers were in store for more ads by amending his famous opening—“Seven hours of commercial-free football starts now”—to “Seven hours of RedZone football starts now.” 

Many RedZone viewers were waiting to see how Hanson would kick off the show. When the popular host tweaked his opening, they erupted on social media.

“Commercials during NFL RedZone: the final death blow to Western Civilization,” wrote Doug Kramer on X/Twitter.

The ads never materialized. Still, Hanson was obviously troubled by the bait and switch pulled on longtime RedZone watchers last week. On Friday, he apologized to fans via X/Twitter.

“I just want to take a quick second and apologize for using the commercial-free catchphrase at the top of last show,” said Hanson, who’s hosted RedZone for 16 seasons. “I was conflicted about it beforehand. I had a tough decision to make. I made the wrong decision. And I’m sorry.”

Twice a week, Michael McCarthy’s “Tuned In” newsletter is at your fingertips with the latest insights and ongoings around sports media. If he hears it, you will, too.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.

Trump Push to End Quarterly Earnings Has Major Sports Ramifications

U.S. President Trump proposes moving to semi-annual reporting for public companies.
Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.

US Open Set Attendance Record, Men’s Final Ratings Surged 82%

Attendance and television viewership of the tennis major again reach historic levels.
exclusive
September 13, 2025

Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman, Rob Dauster to Lead On3’s College Hoops..

Goodman previously worked for ESPN, CBS Sports, and Stadium.
September 15, 2025

Ken Rosenthal: I Apologized to Photog After Knocking Him Over

Rosenthal backpedaled into the photographer to avoid a Gatorade shower.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 13, 2025

YouTube’s Revised NFL Game Rating Still Has Fox, ESPN Execs Upset 

Adjusted viewership metrics from the streamer reignited debate about the game.
Mark Sanchez
September 12, 2025

Mark Sanchez On Fox ‘Rearview’ Show, Caleb Williams’s Slow Start

Sanchez spoke to FOS about his new Fox digital show.
opinion
September 12, 2025

19 Rising Stars in Sports Media

Who are sports media’s rising stars? Here’s an inside look.
September 11, 2025

Paramount-WBD Merger Would Create Sports Superpower

The companies’ combined sports offerings would rival ESPN.