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Expect some big changes to “NFL Sunday Ticket” after this season — but also new options to access the service.
The out-of-market games package could reportedly cost $300 per season when Google’s YouTube TV takes over. “Sunday Ticket” plans from DirecTV range from $79.99 to $149.99 per month.
- Fans will be able to add “Sunday Ticket” to YouTube TV, which costs $64.99 per month, or purchase it as a standalone service.
- There may be a cheaper option that would allow fans to watch out-of-market games for one team.
- The NFL’s deals with CBS and Fox reportedly include provisions that mandate that the subscription price for “Sunday Ticket” not fall below a certain level.
YouTube won the rights to “NFL Sunday Ticket” in a seven-year deal for a reported annual value between $2 billion and $2.5 billion. DirecTV pays $1.5 billion annually for “Sunday Ticket” in its current deal.
Bundle Up
YouTube TV bundles more than 80 channels, including longstanding NFL broadcasters CBS, NBC, and Fox.
While other “NFL Sunday Ticket” bidders such as Apple would have likely provided a more siloed experience, YouTube may provide a bridge for cord-cutters who want to retain some options similar to cable and broadcast TV.
“We have chosen a partner that actually supports, in many ways, our existing distribution with Sunday afternoon and night, and Monday night,” said NFL senior vice president of media strategy and strategic investments Dhruv Prasad, who added that the model should provide “a real benefit with existing partners.”
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