EricVega
Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGLE) has stepped up its pursuit of the National Football League’s Sunday Ticket package as negotiations between the league and its long-rumored partner over the service, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), has continued to linger, the New York Times report.
The news outlet, citing people familiar with the talks, noted that Google (GOOG) (GOOGLE) has ramped up its pursuit of a package currently held by DirecTV, which expires next year, and may make it available on the company’s fledgling YouTube TV streaming service.
Many industry watchers, including analysts, sports media executives and otherApple has long awaited (AAPL) won the bidding package maybe running to $2.5 billion annually, up from $1.5 billion currently.
In the fall, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that the Sunday Ticket, which allows NFL fans to watch out-of-market games, was likely headed for a streaming platform. “I clearly believe we’re going to move to a streaming service,” Goodell told CNBC, adding that a move like this would allow more spectators to watch the games. compared to Sunday Ticket’s perennial setup on satellite.
At the time, Goodell, 63, added that a decision would be made in the fall, but the Times reported that negotiations were expected to last until 2023.
The Times reports that YouTube’s chief business officer, Robert Kyncl, has played an important role for Google (GOOG) (GOOGLE) in negotiations with the NFL.
In September, Kyncl was to name The new CEO of Warner Music Group (WMG) and is expected to take the job next year.
In addition to the rights to the Sunday Ticket, which can cost up to $400 per season, the NFL is looking to bundle NFL games off the market, along with a handful of other media content, including the NFL Network and NFL Redzone, several media outlets have previously reported.
Other partners the NFL has considered providing services include Disney’s (dis) ESPN and Amazon (AMZN). Both companies have a pre-existing relationship with the league, with Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football, respectively.
