For the first time, an NFL playoff game will air on cable.
ESPN announced Tuesday that it will air an NFL Wild Card game this year, marking the first time than an NFL playoff game has aired on cable. The new NFL TV deal, which goes into effect fully this season, gave the NFL the option of placing a Wild Card game on the network.
The ESPN telecast will be simulcast in the participating markets, as is the case for all NFL games on cable.
As would be expected, the “Monday Night Football” broadcast team of Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters will call the game.
No decision has yet been made for future Wild Card games. Judging by ESPN’s Tuesday press release, the NFL has the option to air a Wild Card game on ESPN every season under the new deal, but does not necessarily have to exercise it.
The upcoming NFL season will include other changes to the playoff schedule. Starting this season, NBC will air one Divisional Round game per year.
(Tue. news from ESPN Media Zone)
