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NFL Sunday Ticket streams out-of-market games at no extra cost
Before now, DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers had to pay extra for the Max package in order to livestream out-of-market games. The television provider announced today that when the 2016 season starts this fall, the additional purchase will no longer be required. This means that anyone who opts in to Sunday Ticket will get access to every NFL game on both mobile and satellite TV without the need for an upgrade. However, if you still want options like Red Zone, Fantasy Zone and Short Cuts' condensed game replays, you'll want to continue with the Sunday Ticket Max add-on.
NFL Sunday Ticket stays on DirecTV for the next eight years
Wondering if the NFL would take its supersized Sunday Ticket viewing package to another provider, or even to an internet company like Google? You can stop now -- the league and DirecTV have "extended and expanded" their exclusive agreement for an unspecified number of years. According to Darren Rovell, it's an eight year deal worth some $1.5 billion annually -- more than the previous four year agreement that cost DirecTV about $1 billion each year. The big takeaway here? Things are staying mostly the same (DirecTV will stream NFL Network to its subscribers mobile devices), and AT&T's agreement to purchase DirecTV is still on. This season DirecTV changed up its marketing for Sunday Ticket streaming to target apartment dwellers and college students that can't get satellite dishes. That's what a passage in the press release promising "expanded streaming rights" refers to, so for now, it doesn't look like we'll see a full online-only offering for football fans that only want to pay to watch out of market games every weekend.
'NFL Sunday Ticket without satellite' sounds too good to be true, and for many it is
Today AppleInsider uncovered a promotion page for DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket package that proudly promises what many cord-cutting football fans have been waiting to hear: "Stream NFL Sunday Ticket live online. No satellite required!" Sounds simple, sign up for the exorbitantly-priced package, sit back and wait for all the out-of-market football games you can handle, right? Not so fast -- as it turns out, this package is set up the same way NFL Sunday Ticket has worked online since DirecTV started offering it that way back in 2010. While the bold text promises football without a DirecTV account, digging into the FAQ reveals it's only for people in "select areas, residence types, and enrolled in select universities."
AT&T to buy DirecTV for $48.5 billion (updated)
AT&T clearly isn't taking Comcast's recent acquisition efforts lying down; it just announced plans to buy DirecTV in a deal worth about $48.5 billion. The communications giant sees a takeover as an opportunity to expand how it delivers video beyond just the bundles it has today. If officials approve the merger, AT&T could send conventional and internet-based video to virtually any place you happen to be, whether it's on your phone or in mid-flight. This also represents a content grab -- DirecTV has the exclusive rights to NFL Sunday Ticket and other premium programming, so there's a chance that much of its content could reach U-verse and other AT&T offerings.
Google, NFL meeting reportedly includes Sunday Ticket discussions
In the least surprising news of the week, as DirecTV's rights to the vaunted NFL Sunday Ticket package come close to their 2014 expiration date, rumors of who else may bid for them are starting and Google is right at the top. According to AllThingsD, league officials met with the internet giant today and among many topics, the package of rights to air all of the league's games to out of market viewers came up. As suggested, the folks in Mountain View (and several other companies we can all think of) can certainly afford the reported $1 billion DirecTV has been paying -- and YouTube has already shelled out to stream sports in the US and around the world -- but whether or not the NFL would actually sell to them is still in question. As we mused on this week's Engadget HD Podcast, what's kept the NFL from selling the package in a different way -- explained by league officials as "really in the consumer's best interest" -- so far is a fear that other networks like CBS and Fox would want to pay less to broadcast those games. With billions at stake we'd be extremely surprised to see the status quo actually change, so while anything is possible your best bet without satellite is probably still a copy of Madden NFL 25 Anniversary Edition.
NFL Sunday Ticket won't be on PlayStation this season
We got our first taste of NFL Sunday Ticket on the PS3 back in 2011, but now Sony has confirmed it's not available for the 2013 - 2014 season. IGN asked PlayStation reps why the app would not be active this season and they wouldn't confirm any specific reasons. For its part, DirecTV told us it's working on enhancing the experience for new and existing satellite customers, although those who can't get satellite TV can still sign up for the mobile / web streaming package. That league commissioner Roger Goodell recently made a cameo in Microsoft's Xbox One launch event probably isn't a total coincidence, but the package won't be available there either, at least not for this season.
Madden 25 Anniversary Edition includes NFL Sunday Ticket, exclusive to Amazon
Virtual football enthusiasts excited for Madden 25 (it's technically Madden 2014) may want to head over to Amazon if they're serious about watching actual NFL games. The online retailer has an exclusive 25th Anniversary Edition of the game up for pre-order, which comes bundled with a 17-week pass for both Madden Ultimate Team cards and NFL Sunday Ticket for computer and mobile. On top of getting all the 2013 regular season's out-of-market matches, DirecTV subscribers can snag a $10-a-month discount on the TV version (normally $225) for one year with a pro bono MAX upgrade. Joystiq notes that only 100,000 copies are up for grabs, split evenly between the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. All it takes to get in on the action starting August 27th is $100 -- $40 more than the standard edition, which can net you up to $400 in total savings on the services. Hit up the source link if you're ready to secure your copy.
DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket returns to PS3 in time for the upcoming football season
With this year's National Football League season almost ready to kick off (not taking pre-season games into consideration, of course), DirecTV's properly preparing itself on all entertainment cylinders. The satellite provider announced earlier today that the well-known Sunday Ticket package will be returning to the PlayStation 3 on September 4th via a PS Store update, allowing current subscribers to stream full-HD games directly to Sony's renowned console. As for those without any current attachments to DirecTV, however, there is an option out there -- one which costs a familiar $300 per NFL season. We've still got a few days until the madness gets started, which should be plenty of time to get approval from your better half to snag the action-packed ticket.
DirecTV drops NFL Sunday Ticket price for current subscribers
After raising the price of its NFL Sunday Ticket package last season, this year DirecTV is dropping it back down for current subscribers, to just $199. Of course, most of the impetus for the price drop is probably because so many current subs are people who signed up for the service last season with Sunday Ticket as a freebie, but we're sure regular customers will gladly keep the cash in their pockets. Another change for the 2012 season is the NFL Sunday Ticket Max package, which includes all the extras of SuperFan and To-Go (RedZone Channel, streaming to iOS and Android mobile devices, Short Cuts, VOD highlights, etc.) extras as a part of the bundle for an extra $100 to existing customers, or for $299.95. There's no word on any additional game consoles or internet only packages yet, but at least with the lockout a distant memory, football fans have all offseason to decide if they want to shell out for it.
DirecTV adds more subscribers than ever, will push live streaming, HD UI, and multiroom DVRs
The numbers are in for DirecTV's third quarter and it looks like Deion Sanders isn't just a HOF shutdown corner, he's also an excellent pitchman. The satellite company had a net addition of 327,000 subscribers in the US, which it credited to offering free NFL Sunday Ticket for the first year as a lure. Going forward, CEO Mike White says the company plans to maintain momentum with "DirecTV Anywhere" bringing live-TV streaming and VOD to customer's mobile devices (as seen in its iPad app), as well as the launch of a new HD UI and HR34-based home media center. Not mentioned? The DirecTiVo. Check out the rest of the details in the press release after the break, we'll listen in on the earnings call shortly to see if any other gems are dropped.
DirecTV brings NFL Sunday Ticket to Android tablets and the PS3 this fall
Last year DirecTV started offering NFL Sunday Ticket To-Go access even to those who couldn't / wouldn't get their satellite packages, and it's upping the ante this year by bringing its slate of football games to the PlayStation 3. NFL Sunday Ticket To-Go is still a $50 add-on that adds HD streaming access on PCs and mobile devices, however this year there's also an app for the Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Android tablets. PS3 owners can get in on the action either by adding the To-Go option or paying a flat $339.95 without DirecTV service. Of course, it's still interested in enticing people to switch to the dish by offering Sunday Ticket at no additional charge for new subscribers -- just ask fairy Deion Sanders after the break. No word on any apps for Boxee, Roku and the rest, but other new additions for the 2011 season (now that the lockout is resolved and it's actually happening) include a new four channel mix with larger cells for those late afternoon games, and integration with NFL.com Fantasy Football that lets viewers keep up with their scores and players right on the TV. Update: Looking for the online only package for PCs and mobile devices from last year? It will become available September 1st, for the same $350 price as in 2010.
DirecTV survey hints at NFL Sunday Ticket on Apple TV, Boxee and Roku players?
Marketing research surveys have proven a good source for yet-to-be-announced information in the past and a recent one by DirecTV may be a good sign for those who prefer their NFL Sunday Ticket over the internet instead of satellite. According to a tipster, some of the questions asking about potential pricing setups indicated the digital version would be available via currently unsupported devices including internet connected Blu-ray players & TVs, "game machines," Apple TV, Roku and Boxee. Another new wrinkle is a $19.99 per weekend pricing plan for streaming NFL Sunday Ticket access among other options. Currently, Sunday Ticket streams in HD to PCs and a bevy of mobile platforms (even without DirecTV's TV service), but it's possible we could see that list expand to several if not all connected TV platforms in the near future -- assuming this isn't just pie in the sky dreaming of course. The NBA, NHL and MLB already play ball with some but not all of the streaming set-top boxes, if the NFL follows them by adding alternate viewing options -- assuming a new labor deal is reached and we actually see football played in late 2011 -- would it make you more likely to subscribe? [Thanks, Anonymous]
Poll: How does NFL RedZone compare to DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket?
Even though they can't add NFL Sunday Ticket to your programming package, most of DirecTV's competitors are offering the NFL RedZone Channel now. Of course, it's fought back with a recent ad featuring a disappointed couple find out all their friends are skipping their game day celebration to go across the street and watch football somewhere that has Sunday Ticket (and all the extras) instead of "just the highlights." So let us know, are you trying to catch every snap of (most) of the games, satisfied with "just the highlights" or simply relying on whatever games come in OTA this fabulous football Sunday?%Poll-52639%
DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket To-Go floods mobile app stores everywhere
The first Sunday of the regular NFL season is almost here and some DirecTV Sunday Ticket subscribers (plus a few without the DirecTV part) are getting an extra treat. If you've dropped the additional $50 or so for the NFL Sunday Ticket To Go service, feel free to take advantage of the mobile apps that have been issued for Android, Blackberry (you'll want to uninstall the 2009 app first), Windows Mobile, webOS, iPhone and iPad platforms in the last day or so. Check the gallery for screens from the new iPad version plus the updated iPhone and Android apps -- isn't football season the best time of the year?%Gallery-101929%
DirecTV to offer Sunday Ticket online, in HD to non-subscribers -- but there's a catch
If you've been waiting for a way to get Sunday Ticket at home without signing up for DirecTV, congratulations because today is your day. The USA Today reports DirecTV is expanding access to its online streams from New York to the rest of the country this season. $350 buys a full slate of games available on PC or cellphone in up to 720p, however the only people allowed to sign up will be those who can verify they aren't able to access DirecTV, possibly because they aren't allowed to post a satellite dish or can't get a clear view to the south. Ordering for non-subscribers should start the week before the season, so keep an eye out until then.
DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket adds SuperFan (HD games, Red Zone) for all, streaming is extra
With football season ready to kick off yet again there's still no good news for those who want Sunday Ticket without DirecTV, but if you do have the right satellite hookup then there are a few new wrinkles in 2010. First the bad news, at five payments of $59.99 the price has risen yet again to $299.95, but this year features that used to require the $99 SuperFan add-on -- every game in high definition, Game Mix Channel, Red Zone Channel, Short Cuts -- are included, so if that's what you wanted then the price has actually gone down. One SuperFan feature that's still extra is access to streaming games, now broken out on its own at NFL Sunday Ticket To-Go, it brings 14 Sunday ticket games every week, Red Zone Channel, highlights, stats and more via the internet (PC, Mac, Android, iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, webOS, Windows Mobile) for an additional five payments of $9.95. Check the press release after the break for all the details, but we're pretty sure this is the kind of decision that makes itself for most NFL fans.
Court rules against Comcast, Cablevision on new FCC program access rules
Comcast and Cablevision's quest to keep the HD feeds of the networks they own off of satellite and telco services was again dealt a loss Friday when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld new FCC rules requiring them to share. Neither found that pleasing, with Comcast citing the continued exclusivity of NFL Sunday Ticket and NASCAR Hot Pass to DirecTV, while Cablevision whined about its latest spat with ABC. This might not be the end of things however, as the court voted the FCC could later rescind the rule if it decides it "is no longer timely," and it will likely play a part in the ongoing discussions over Comcast's proposed purchase of NBC.
DirecTV exclusive Sunday Ticket is 'in the consumers' best interest'
You love the NFL's exclusive DirecTV deal for Sunday Ticket right? New York Giants chairman and co-owner Steve Tisch says you do, as it is "really in the consumers' best interest." We're suspecting the bang caused by millions of football lovers who can't / won't switch to the satellite service's heads exploding was muffled by all the cash stuffed in his ears as he continued, praising the "successful model" of the NFL Network channel and its quest for wider distribution. As long as the money keeps flowing and, as he claims, TV ratings are hitting record highs, don't expect anything to change any time soon.
Is the NFL Sunday Ticket coming to Verizon FiOS?
Chalk this one up as a total rumor, but you can imagine our surprise today when we saw all of these NFL Sunday Ticket channels show up on our CableCARD equipped Windows 7 Media Center connected to Verizon's FiOS. Unfortunately the channels didn't actually tune in when we selected 'em and this could very well be another case of bad guide data, but no way we could pass up the chance to share this one.**UPDATE** As expected, this was confirmed by the NFL as just a glitch in the guide data, but it was fun to dream even if it was only for a day.
The NFL and DirecTV extend exclusive Sunday Ticket through 2014
Bad news for NFL fans that can't see the southwestern sky, DirecTV and the NFL have once again extended the exclusive pay-per-view Sunday Ticket contract, and this time through 2014. The rumored 4 billion dollar deal includes a few other nuggets like broadband access for Sunday Ticket subscribers who also subscribe to the Superfan package (an additional $99 fee) in 2012 -- although we're not sure how it differs from today's services. The other thing worth mentioning in the deal is that also starting around 2010, the Redzone channel will no longer be exclusive to the Superfan package, and will in fact be offered to other carriers with no strings attached to the leagues other cable channel, The NFL Network.
