For just the second time, an NFL game will air exclusively via live-stream. In other news, ESPN is cutting NFL Insiders as part of some small daytime changes, and the WNBA has reached a deal to stream games on Twitter.
Verizon to Stream Ravens-Jags London Game
- Verizon has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast the September 24 Ravens-Jaguars NFL London game, multiple outlets reported Wednesday, marking just the second time that an NFL game has aired exclusively via live-stream. The 9:30 AM matinee will air across the company’s various video platforms, including the go90 mobile app. Verizon is reportedly paying $21 million for the rights, compared to the $17 million Yahoo! paid to stream a Bills-Jaguars London game two years ago. As with the Yahoo! game, coverage will be available on local TV networks in the home markets. (WSJ 5.3, Variety 5.3)
ESPN Making Change to Daytime Lineup
- ESPN announced Monday that it will discontinue NFL Insiders and fold elements of the show into an expanded, 90-minute NFL Live starting May 22, one of several small changes to the network’s daytime lineup. The network will also begin airing its daily NBA show The Jump year-round rather than take an offseason hiatus. ESPN previously announced last week that it would begin airing MLB Network’s Intentional Talk each day on ESPN2, a change necessitated by the network’s recent layoffs. (ESPN Media Zone 5.1)
WNBA Reaches Deal to Stream Games on Twitter
- The WNBA has reached a three-year deal with the social networking website Twitter to broadcast a package of 20 regular season games per season. Unlike Twitter’s previous live-streaming deals with the NFL, Major League Baseball and NHL, the games will be exclusive to the website and unavailable on local or national TV. Twitter will pay the WNBA an undisclosed rights fee. The first game will be Dallas-Phoenix on May 14, the second day of the season. (NYT 5.1)
