NFL, Youtube TV finalizing Sunday Ticket broadcast deal, sources say

Sources have reported that the NFL and YouTube TV has advanced talks regarding a deal involving the rights to broadcast NFL-owned content. This deal package will see Sunday Ticket games aired with traditional television-style broadcasts on YouTube TV.

The Sunday Ticket package is the only remaining NFL-owned content to be sold to other media than TV. In 2021, the organization announced multiple 10-year broadcast deals worth more than $100 billion with several major television partners. This partnership will add income for YouTube as the games will be premium content.

Previously, NFL’s partnership with DirecTV for Sunday Ticket saw around 1.5 million to two million subscribers paying to watch the games. The deal will expire after the 2022-2023 regular season.

Compared to DirecTV, YouTube TV has five million subscribers and trial users paying $64.99 per month for its products. According to NBNC, if the agreement is reached, the league may receive additional payments based on the number of YouTube TV subscribers, with a potential for growth.

With the Sunday Ticket rights, YouTube TV subscribers can watch all Sunday games, including prime-time Sunday night football.

NFL optimistic about Sunday Ticket deal

In an interview in July, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that such a deal would be “best for consumers.” Tech companies with big audiences — such as Apple, YouTube TV and Amazon — can increase viewership for the NFL.

Several factors might affect the deal-making process between NFL and YouTube TV. For example, the league wants the deal to include a non-game package, including its media assets, NFL Network.

While the deal is expected to be settled soon, YouTube and NFL have yet to comment on the matter. The industry is expected to shift its attention to the rights to broadcast National Basketball Association games once the deal comes to fruition.