The Future of NFL Broadcasting: A Shift in the Landscape
The NFL has been exploring new ways to broadcast its games, and a recent memo has shed light on a potential future without Sunday Ticket. The memo, titled “NFL New Frontier,” outlines a plan where cable channels would air Sunday afternoon out-of-market games not shown on Fox or CBS. This would be a significant change from the current model, where DirecTV has held the exclusive rights to Sunday Ticket since its inception in 1994.
The implications of this change are far-reaching, and could have a major impact on the way fans consume NFL games. No longer would fans need to rely on a satellite provider to access out-of-market games, but instead could watch them on basic cable. This could lead to increased competition and lower prices for consumers.
However, not all out-of-market games would be available on basic cable. Some would still require a subscription to a premium package, and fans and cable companies would need to absorb some of the costs through higher subscription fees.
The NFL’s exploration of this new model comes as the league is facing a class-action lawsuit from Sunday Ticket subscribers who claim the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an inflated price. The lawsuit, which covers 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses, alleges that the league restricted competition by offering Sunday Ticket only on a satellite provider.
The NFL has maintained that it has the right to sell Sunday Ticket under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting, but the plaintiffs argue that this exemption only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV.
As the lawsuit continues to make its way through the courts, the NFL’s memo provides a glimpse into a potential future where the league is no longer tied to a single provider for Sunday Ticket. This could lead to a more competitive market and lower prices for consumers, but it also raises questions about the impact on the league’s revenue and the way games are broadcast.
In other NFL news, the Seattle Seahawks have signed RB Ricky Person and cut RB TaMerik Williams, DE Rason Williams, and DB Ro Torrence. The Washington Commanders have also made some front office moves, promoting Doug Williams to senior advisor to the general manager and Chris White to director of pro scouting.
Image: NFL Broadcasting
Image: Four Lions named to NFL Draft Diamonds Watch List
The University of North Alabama football program has had four players named to the 2025 Small School Prospect Watch List by NFL Draft Diamonds. The players, including safeties Gregory Reddick and Edwin White Schultz, incoming transfer linebacker Jackson Bratton, and wide receiver Takairee Kenebrew, were recognized for their hard work and commitment to the team.
Image: University of North Alabama Football
