Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Tl; Dream
- YouTube is reportedly the “heavy favorite” to stream its first exclusive NFL game.
- Streaming on the platform will allow the league to utilize a potential loophole in the sports broadcast law.
- This would be a week 1 game with Los Angeles Chargers and a men-not opponent.
Recently, the NFL has drawn his legs and expanded to partners outside Broadcast TV, such as Amazon and Netflix. It looks like the league is not completely done, as it is looking for another digital platform to place its games on. A new report now says that the NFL is looking at YouTube as a potential partner.
according to AthleticYouTube is the “heavy favorite to stream its first exclusive NFL game on Friday during the opening week.” This will be somewhat different from the agreements with Amazon and Netflix, as these platforms require subscription and YouTube are free. As a result, this exclusive game will be available to watch free globally. If you have YouTube -TV, it looks like you can also watch this game on that service.
This is a fairly large agreement for more reasons than just that this would be YouTubes the first time to stream an exclusive NFL game. Seam Terrible announcement Points out that the NFL may have found a loophole in the Sports Broadcasting Act from 1961 using YouTube. The law prevents the NFL from TV games on Friday or Saturday between the second weekend in September and the second weekend in December. This part of the calendar is reserved for high school and college games. The NFL is able to escape with Black Friday games because the rule requires a majority of the game to be completed by 18.00 in the local market.
If YouTube wins the deal, it will have a week 1 game with Los Angeles Chargers. This game will take place in Brazil and Charger’s opponent is expected to be announced on May 13.