The NFL Sunday Ticket is an exclusive package that enables viewers to watch out-of-market NFL games live on Sundays during the regular season. For more than a quarter of a century, it was available only with DirecTV satellite television service. However, with the advent of DirecTV Stream, the majority of football fans will be interested in knowing whether NFL Sunday Ticket is included in the streaming service.
What is DirecTV Stream?
AT&T TV known as DirecTV Stream is one of the streaming television services offered by AT&T. It streams live TV channels via the internet connection and not through the satellite dish as it is from the satellite. The channel lineup and plans are also comparable to the conventional satellite offering from DirecTV. So, to use DirecTV Stream, one will need a compatible streaming device such as Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV.
Is NFL Sunday Ticket available on DirecTV Stream?
For now, NFL Sunday Ticket is not offered on DirecTV Stream. Again, the live game package remains exclusive to only those users with DirecTV satellite services. DirecTV and DirecTV Stream are related services provided by AT&T, however, NFL Sunday Ticket is not currently offered as part of the DirecTV Stream package.
Why isn’t Sunday Ticket on DirecTV Stream?
There are a couple of reasons why NFL Sunday Ticket isn't offered on DirecTV Stream yet:
- Exclusivity: The Sunday Ticket package is under an exclusivity deal with DirecTV satellite systems. This agreement was signed to continue after the expiration of the NFL season in 2022.
- Technical Constraints – The live football package is viewed by a large audience, and thus, the technical infrastructure must be sound. DirecTV Stream is still in the process of developing its streaming services.
Thus, while DirecTV Stream is an AT&T service that uses the DirecTV name and some of the original channels, it does not offer NFL Sunday Ticket. This is allowed to the satellite service only until the year 2022.
In the future, will Sunday Ticket be available on DirecTV Stream?
Although not explicit, analysts believe that NFL Sunday Ticket will be offered on DirecTV Stream when the satellite exclusivity contract ends. In an interview recently, AT&T CEO John Stankey suggested that Sunday Ticket will be available across AT&T networks.
Given that streaming television is fast emerging, the NFL also understands that Sunday Ticket is big business when it comes to subscribers. Combined with DirecTV Stream, it would increase its streaming service against rivals like YouTube TV and Hulu+ Live TV.
What Are the Options to Watch NFL Games without Sunday Ticket?
Until Sunday Ticket hits DirecTV Stream, football fans still have a few options to watch NFL games:
1. Get NFL Sunday Ticket through DirecTV Satellite - The only way to get Sunday Ticket currently is through satellite television carriers with DirecTV. Subscriptions that include Sunday Ticket begin at $293 per month.
2. Sign up for NFL+ Premium – at $29. 99 per month, NFL+ provides access to live local and primetime regular season games on mobile and tablet.
3. Check Local Listings – Your local CBS and Fox affiliates will air Sunday afternoon games that feature teams in your area. These are available on streaming services.
4. This is a Sunday Night (NBC) and Monday Night (ESPN) broadcast – These broadcasts are available on multiple Live TV streaming services.
Conclusion
Although NFL Sunday Ticket has been limited to the DirecTV satellite service until 2022, the fans hope for its appearance in the DirecTV Stream afterward. This is because the streaming version is similar to satellite in terms of channel and package availability, making it logical to include Sunday Ticket. Well, for now, the fans have to turn to other alternatives for their football fix in the NFL.
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