NBCUniversal (CMCSA), which has been streaming Sunday Night Football to desktops, tablets and connected TVs since 2008, has acquired the rights to stream SNF to all mobile devices, including mobile phones for the first time. The deal also provides NBCU’s cable, satellite, traditional and virtual MVPD partners with authenticated streaming rights. The NBCU mobile stream will contain both national and local affiliate ads (for 1st time). SNF is primetime television’s #1 show; NBCU also owns the rights to the #2 rated show, TNF.
Howie Long-Short: NBCU had the ability to add rights to stream games to mobile phones after Verizon gave up exclusivity as part of its recent 5-year $2.5 billion deal with the NFL. In exchange for conceding exclusivity, the telecom giant picked up the rights to stream in-market and nationally-televised league games (and access to on-demand content) to any mobile device, Oath owned web property (i.e. Yahoo (AABA), Yahoo Sports, AOL, Go90) or connected TV nationwide regardless of carrier. Verizon won’t have the rights to sell national ads though, as NBCU maintains exclusive control over the inventory; now offering advertisers expanded reach through VZ (and NFL mobile) platforms.
Fan Marino: Speaking of football on NBC, there are rumors that the XFL (a WWE/NBC collaboration) could be making a return. The WWE didn’t exactly deny the rumors, saying Vince McMahon “has established and is personally funding a separate entity from WWE, Alpha Entertainment, to explore investment opportunities across the sports and entertainment landscapes, including professional football.” If the league does get a reboot, don’t expect NBC to be a part of it this time around; the network, hungry for football, didn’t own any NFL rights back in 2001.
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