NFL fans express frustration over fragmented streaming services and rising costs
NFL fans in Nashville and New York City voiced complaints to OutKick reporter Davey Hudson about the league's distribution of games across multiple streaming platforms, which they say drives up costs and complicates viewing.
One fan described the situation: "I think it’s frustrating when you just want to watch a game, and you have to figure out what app it’s on. And then you're paying for multiple apps all the time."[1]
Another fan called the system "f---ing stupid," saying it requires five different platforms plus extra payments to access desired games. Several interviewees reported subscribing to at least three or four services, with some needing five or six.[1]
A New York Jets season ticket holder with NFL Sunday Ticket said he still lacks access to certain games despite those investments: "I can’t tell you how frustrating it is when I feel like I have every service, I have Jets season tickets, I have the NFL package, and then there is still games on top of that that I don’t have access to."[1]
The NFL's media rights deals, extended through the 2033 season, include exclusive Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video,[2] NFL Sunday Ticket out-of-market Sunday games on YouTube TV,[3] Christmas Day games on Netflix starting in 2024,[4] and select NBC games on Peacock.[5]
Local CBS and Fox Sunday afternoon games typically require over-the-air antennas, cable or services like YouTube TV. Combined annual subscriptions for YouTube TV (with NFL Sunday Ticket), Amazon Prime, Peacock and Netflix exceed $1,500 before additional cable or internet fees.[1][6]
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has voiced concerns that rising streaming prices are frustrating for sports fans.[1]
Sources
- Fox News Digital / OutKick, "NFL fans tell OutKick's Davey Hudson that the league's streaming strategy has become a source of consternation," accessed December 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/sports
- NFL.com, "Amazon Prime Video named Thursday Night Football home through 2033 season," March 18, 2021, https://www.nfl.com/news/amazon-prime-video-named-thursday-night-football-home-through-2033-season
- YouTube TV, "NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV," accessed December 2024, https://tv.youtube.com/learn/nflsundayticket/
- NFL.com, "NFL, Netflix agree to multi-year partnership for Christmas Day games," November 11, 2024, https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-netflix-agree-to-multi-year-partnership-for-christmas-day-games-beginning-this-season
- NBC Sports / Peacock, "Peacock NFL Schedule," accessed December 2024, https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/nfl
- Front Office Sports, "How Much It Costs To Watch Every NFL Game In 2024," August 2024, https://frontofficesports.com
