Understanding the NFL’s move to streaming with Prime, Peacock, and ESPN+
The upcoming NFL game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals is set to be streamed exclusively on ESPN+, marking a shift towards digital platforms for sports broadcasting. In contrast, the game between the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be aired on more traditional channels like ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes.
ESPN+ requires a subscription similar to other streaming services like Peacock or Amazon Prime Video. The monthly cost for ESPN+ is $11.99, or $119.99 annually. Bundling with Disney+ and Hulu with ads raises the monthly fee to $14.99. Currently, there are no free trial offers available for ESPN+.
ESPN+ has become a significant player in the sports media landscape, hosting a variety of sports content beyond the NFL. NHL games and college football matchups are among the events behind the ESPN+ paywall. Notably, WNBA star Caitlin Clark’s debut game was exclusively streamed on ESPN+.
While ESPN+ is part of the ABC/ESPN family, live broadcasts from ESPN and ABC are generally not available on the streaming platform. The NFL has been increasingly granting exclusive broadcast rights to streaming services, with Thursday night games exclusive to Amazon Prime Video and select playoff and regular-season games on platforms like Peacock and Netflix.
The NFL’s move towards streaming services has sparked controversy, with some pushback from players and fans. Despite criticism, NFL executives view the shift positively, emphasizing the need to adapt to changing media consumption habits. Hans Schroeder, NFL’s executive vice president of media distribution, highlighted the success of streaming platforms in engaging fans and reaching a broader audience.
As the sports broadcasting landscape continues to evolve, the NFL’s partnership with digital platforms reflects a broader trend towards online streaming for live sports content. Fans can expect more games to be exclusively available on streaming services in the future, as the industry adapts to meet the changing preferences of viewers.
