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The NFL Dumps Sprint, Prefers Verizon's Huge Bag Of Money
Verizon now the exclusive wireless carrier of the NFL...
by Karl Bode Wednesday 10-Mar-2010 tags: business · content · wireless
Tipped by fAcEtIOUs See Profile
The NFL loves their exclusive arrangements and the huge bags of money these make, be it with Electronic Arts (who is the sole publisher of video games allowed to use the NFL brand), or DirecTV (who pays a billion a year to be the sole TV carrier of out of market NFL games). For a while the NFL liked Sprint, who has been paying the NFL about $100 million a year to stream NFL games wirelessly and be the NFL's official wireless carrier. Now the NFL loves Verizon, who just ponied up $720 million to take Sprint's place. Sprint spokeswoman Melinda Tiemeyer tells the Kansas City Business Journal that Sprint chose not to extend the sponsorship because the cost "reached a point where we questioned the return on our investment." Verizon apparently had no such worries.

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NeoandGeo

join:2003-05-10
Harrison, TN

.

Needs more details

fAcEtIOUs
Premium
join:2002-03-03
kudos:4

1 edit

Re: .

said by NeoandGeo:

Needs more details
»news.vzw.com/news/2010/03/pr2010-03-03d.html
The new four-year agreement for NFL Mobile kicks off next month with coverage of the 2010 NFL Draft to be held from April 22-24 and continues with the NFL’s regular season.

Among the programming that will be available for the first time during the regular season will be the wildly popular NFL RedZone channel from the NFL Network, which airs live look-ins of every key play and touchdown from Sunday afternoon games. Fans also will be able to watch live streaming of NBC’s Sunday Night Football and NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football. In addition, fans will receive the NFL Network channel, which airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis

In addition to NFL RedZone, live Sunday Night and Thursday Night games, and NFL Network, other features of NFL Mobile on Verizon Wireless will include:

* Video: Game highlights and an extensive collection of on-demand video featuring analysis and inside access from NFL Network and NFL Films.
* Audio: Live radio broadcasts of every regular season and playoff game from both home and away teams.
* Fantasy: Access to fantasy information, news, and player and team statistics.
* Customizable NFL alerts, ringtones and graphics.

The service will be available on some Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and Brew (a not-so-smart phone operating system from Qualcomm) devices, wrote a Verizon spokesman in an e-mail. Additional information on specific phones and associated pricing will be available closer to the start of the NFL season in August.

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
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join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK

Re: .

That should wipe out your allocated Data usage nicely. Welcome to huge cap overage charges!

fAcEtIOUs
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1 edit

Sprint's plan for new app to replace NFL Live

said by NeoandGeo:

Needs more details
I got this in an EMAIL today from Sprint in answer to my question about what happens to Sprint Wireless customers that have the NFL app as a free part of their Everything Data plan:

Starting April 01, 2010, Sprint will no longer be the wireless sponsor of the NFL. Beginning March 31, 2010, when our customers access the application NFL Mobile Live, they will be prompted to download the new application Sprint Football Live.

The Sprint Football Live application is offering play-by-play professional football information and college football too.

This includes:
Pro Football Draft:
· Live Draft Tracker
· In depth analysis and bios on nearly 500 top prospects
· Exclusive blogs from top Draft prospects Sam Bradford and Ndamukong Suh
· Draft Predict-a-Pick: 32 picks in 32 days

Regular Season Football
· Pro and college football coverage
· Live Game Center
· Real-time stats and scores
{{the only things I ever used anyway}}
· Breaking news
· Game previews and recaps
· Expert insight and analysis from source likes Pro Football Talk and Sports Blog Nation
· Even more content will be confirmed before the start of the college and pro football seasons
So it looks like Sprint loses the LIVE video of games, but still has everything else they are offering now.

Van
Premium
join:2009-07-08
New Orleans, LA

In other news, Verizon has decided to raise

rates again which total a little above $720 million in all

"We feel this increase is better for the consumer" said Verizon. "The consumer wins by paying more"

thegeek
Premium
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united state
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You took the words right out of my mouth.

I can see it now:

New mantitory fee of $0.99 per line per month labeled Manditory Regulatory NFL Tax will be coming soon. This will more than pay for the NFL contract but won't actually provide you the service. To get the service you will have to pay $14.99 per line per month plus aplicable data fees. Plus upgrade to a new plan at a higher rate with a 2 year contract and a new phone subsidised and discounted to just over 2 times the actual cost of the device instead of the normal 3-4 times actual cost.

gigahurtz
Premium
join:2001-10-20
Palm Coast, FL

As an NFL fan..

this is absolutely ridiculous. I would never watch a game on my phone. I wouldn't enjoy it and would rather go spend money at a local sports bar.

I can't imagine Verizon keeping this for very long as I just don't see this being a big sell.

fAcEtIOUs
Premium
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kudos:4

Re: As an NFL fan..

said by gigahurtz:

this is absolutely ridiculous. I would never watch a game on my phone. I wouldn't enjoy it and would rather go spend money at a local sports bar.

I can't imagine Verizon keeping this for very long as I just don't see this being a big sell.
No. But you will be able to listen in on(audio only) any game being played. And, if they did what Sprint's app did, you can get live running stats and play-by-play info(text) on any game as well.
Tcomp

join:2008-07-29
Greenbelt, MD
They're not going after people who can watch games at home or in a sports bar. They're going after people on the go - people who are not in reach of a TV during a game - at the airport, in a cab, on the train, etc. They're looking to grow the pie, not take someone else's slice.

gigahurtz
Premium
join:2001-10-20
Palm Coast, FL

Re: As an NFL fan..

said by Tcomp:

They're not going after people who can watch games at home or in a sports bar. They're going after people on the go - people who are not in reach of a TV during a game - at the airport, in a cab, on the train, etc. They're looking to grow the pie, not take someone else's slice.
While I am on the go, I just don't see the sense in listening to a game. It just doesn't provide the same effect. I'd rather DVR it and watch it when I get home or to a location that I can watch it at. I can appreciate those who would benefit from this service, it just wouldn't benefit me in any way.
patcat88

join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY
kudos:1

Re: As an NFL fan..

Its inevitable that they will eventually put the "copy never" flag on the broadcast and get you to upgrade to the PPV VOD copy if you want to pause it.

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
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said by Tcomp:

They're not going after people who can watch games at home or in a sports bar. They're going after people on the go - people who are not in reach of a TV during a game - at the airport, in a cab, on the train, etc. They're looking to grow the pie, not take someone else's slice.
They'll be charging everybody for the costs involved, however.

$720 million is a nice chunk of change.
--
"Fascism should more properly be called corporatism because it is the merger of state and corporate power." -- Benito Mussolini

cameronsfx

join:2009-01-08
Panama City, FL
said by gigahurtz:

this is absolutely ridiculous. I would never watch a game on my phone. I wouldn't enjoy it and would rather go spend money at a local sports bar.

I can't imagine Verizon keeping this for very long as I just don't see this being a big sell.
Yes, now the NFL can pay for Big Ben's rape lawsuit and sexual battery lawsuit/criminal case, that one player's 7 kids, TO's anger management classes. But, it can't pay for that $1.6 billion Cowboy stadium. Oh, it can pay for Vikings hooker cruise too. LOL!

SLD
Premium
join:2002-04-17
San Francisco, CA
said by gigahurtz:

this is absolutely ridiculous. I would never watch a game on my phone.
I'm even easier - I would never watch a game!

dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium
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Phoenix, AZ
kudos:4
said by gigahurtz:

this is absolutely ridiculous. I would never watch a game on my phone. I wouldn't enjoy it and would rather go spend money at a local sports bar.

I can't imagine Verizon keeping this for very long as I just don't see this being a big sell.
would phones battery even last the length of a game?
not to mention what that would do to the 5gb cap.
--
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gigahurtz
Premium
join:2001-10-20
Palm Coast, FL

Re: As an NFL fan..

said by dvd536:

said by gigahurtz:

this is absolutely ridiculous. I would never watch a game on my phone. I wouldn't enjoy it and would rather go spend money at a local sports bar.

I can't imagine Verizon keeping this for very long as I just don't see this being a big sell.
would phones battery even last the length of a game?
not to mention what that would do to the 5gb cap.
I wondered the same thing. I would imagine all that data being processed would take a hefty toll on the battery but who knows.

Stillers

@comcast.net
For someone who travels a lot on the road I would say this would be great but I already have Sirius Radio but it will come in handy if I'm out and can't get it on tv.

amarryat
Verizon FiOS

join:2005-05-02
Marshfield, MA

That explains the new plans

Now we know why almost everyone has been hit with the new mandatory data fees so that Verizon can pay the NFL.
bctc
Premium
join:2008-09-03
Delton, MI

finally!!

I'm so glad I can finally get rid of that fucking NFL icon in my pre application launcher. Now if only NASCAR would move on.

morbo
Complete Your Transaction

join:2002-01-22
00000

Re: finally!!

said by bctc:

Now if only NASCAR would move on.
:D

spewak
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said by bctc:

I'm so glad I can finally get rid of that fucking NFL icon in my pre application launcher. Now if only NASCAR would move on.
I'm getting rid of the NFL icon now with Preware. Never used it anyhow. Ditto that about stinkin' Nascar.
--
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SLD
Premium
join:2002-04-17
San Francisco, CA
NASCAR - which "man" can press the pedal the hardest!
nevtxjustin

join:2006-04-18
Dallas, TX

Re: finally!!

NASCAR - Non-Athletic Sport Centered Around Rednecks

Steve Mehs
Jobs is Dead
Premium
join:2005-07-16

Re: finally!!

I'd like to see you drive 400-600 miles in a matter of a few hours or see you and three other guys change 4 tires, fill up with 22 gallons of fuel, clean the windshield and make wedge and trackbar adjustments in 20 seconds or less multiple times a day then tell me how non athletic of a sport it is.

You have NO CLUE!
nevtxjustin

join:2006-04-18
Dallas, TX

Re: finally!!

No,no, no...Its a non-athletic event for a redneck that just sits there and watches.
go5

join:2000-02-25
Portland, OR
Right. I'll try to be more appreciative next time at Jiffy Lube.

Steve Mehs
Jobs is Dead
Premium
join:2005-07-16

Re: finally!!

Are you comparing 'techs' who make $10 an hour to NASCAR pit crews?
Joe12345678

join:2003-07-22
Des Plaines, IL

If you buy the NFL plan is the data for it free or do you hi

If you buy the NFL plan is the data for it free or do you hit with a very high data bill for useing the pay for NFL plan?
hottboiinnc
ME

join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

Re: If you buy the NFL plan is the data for it free or do you hi

knowing VZ? Nothing is free.

fAcEtIOUs
Premium
join:2002-03-03
kudos:4
said by Joe12345678:

If you buy the NFL plan is the data for it free or do you hit with a very high data bill for useing the pay for NFL plan?
All of Verizon's data caps and costs would still apply.

RockCake
Premium
join:2005-07-12
Woodbridge, VA

Great, so instead of...

367 annoying Sprint commercials during every NFL telecast, we'll get just as many annoying Verizon ones.

danclan

join:2005-11-01
Midlothian, VA

All I see is 100 million a year

now being plowed in to service upgrades by Sprint as they continue to improve the quality of their service and delivery...or increase in dividends....
XEvilWyvernX
Premium
join:2004-10-28
Parkersburg, WV

Good Riddens

Good Riddens NFL could you please take Nascar with you

grydlok

join:2004-01-06
Richmond, VA

Bias is Bias

But damn fixed the tittle even content of the article contradicts the tittle.
They didn't dump Sprint, they passed on it. Verizon paid the 720 million and plan on chargers Sub 14 dollars a month for it.
apple4ever

join:2002-06-16
Lancaster, PA

This sucks

So they are ignoring the biggest platform because they supposedly get more money from Verizon? Come on! I want an NFL On Field app similar to the MLB At Bat app on the iPhone. There is 70 million+ iPhone OS users out there, and at $10 a year for the app, they could EASILY make more money. But no, they have to be stupid and do this.

BF69
Premium
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN

Re: This sucks

said by apple4ever:

So they are ignoring the biggest platform because they supposedly get more money from Verizon? Come on! I want an NFL On Field app similar to the MLB At Bat app on the iPhone. There is 70 million+ iPhone OS users out there, and at $10 a year for the app, they could EASILY make more money. But no, they have to be stupid and do this.
Well let's see this would require at least 3G which Verizon has MUCH larger footprint than at&t. Maybve at&t should try to expand 3G to other areas than just the big cities.
Big Dawg 23

join:2002-03-27
Northfield, MN

Re: This sucks

said by BF69:

said by apple4ever:

So they are ignoring the biggest platform because they supposedly get more money from Verizon? Come on! I want an NFL On Field app similar to the MLB At Bat app on the iPhone. There is 70 million+ iPhone OS users out there, and at $10 a year for the app, they could EASILY make more money. But no, they have to be stupid and do this.
Well let's see this would require at least 3G which Verizon has MUCH larger footprint than at&t. Maybve at&t should try to expand 3G to other areas than just the big cities.
I couldn't agree more BF69. There is more than the Iphone out there. I have a Droid which to me is better than an Iphone. I also have Directv with Fancast to see all games on Sunday ticket on the go. last year I missed a few of the Thursday and Saturday goes while on the go, I guess not this year.
dague12

join:2002-01-16
Miami, FL

Waste of $8 per subscriber

I'm glad Sprint is no longer wasting $2 per subscriber on this. Poor Verizon users that are going to waste $8 per subscriber instead of investing it on their network or providing better service.

MSauk
MSauk
Premium
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Sandy, UT

Re: Waste of $8 per subscriber

Now we know where that "phantom" 1.99 fee verizon has been charging people is going!
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PGHammer

join:2003-06-09
Accokeek, MD
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said by dague12:

I'm glad Sprint is no longer wasting $2 per subscriber on this. Poor Verizon users that are going to waste $8 per subscriber instead of investing it on their network or providing better service.
You are making assumptions here. For all we know, VZW could wrap the NFL package into their *existing* V-CAST package (ESPN MVP is already part of the package of services, as is Rhapsody OnTheGo). You have two options for VCAST on supported phones (which include all their 3G phones and most of their BBs) - either monthly flat or per-minute billing for usage. If they wrap it into VCAST, the flat monthly rates may not change at all.
wispalord

join:2007-09-20
Farmington, MO
as me working for sprint, this cost us more money to maintain and operate than it ever delivered it was a perk for the custermors that is more of a headache that is worth due to several factors. Sprint pay'd them 100 mill yearly and then had to maintain the infrustructure to run and operate it it was not profitable Verizion can afford to loose the money on it i guess.

PeteC2
Got Mouse?
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I am a football fan...however...

This was in no way shape or form interesting when Sprint had it, and will be no more alluring under Verizon...Sheesh!

I love watching NFL games...on a large enough screen to make it worth while...to view it on a phone? Thanks, but no thanks...I can find other ways to keep myself amused when I am not close by to a televised game...that is just a wee bit too desparate for me!
--
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BF69
Premium
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN

About f-ing time

Only makes sense for the NFL to go with who has the MOST customers. Now if they would realize having an exclusive with DirecTv is equally stupid.

mikedz4

join:2003-04-14
Weirton, WV

does this mean I have to upgrade my ENV3?

If it means I have to upgrade my ENV3 I hope they allow me to get the new phone at discount when I chose to extend my contract. I'm not going to pay full retail just because they think it is necessary.

mod_wastrel
Gone fishin'

join:2008-03-28

Well,

if they'd like to pay me to watch a game, I'm available... of course, I don't think they actually have enough money to get me to waste my time in that way... maybe if the NFL ever becomes a sport again... but that's not likely to happen.
thorataz

join:2009-11-10
USA

I will live

I used the Sprint app once in a while, say if i was at the gym I would listen to live streaming, at the bar get live stats. But it was FREE with my data plan. Guess I will have to use ESPN now. No huge loss, sorry VZ users I am guessing this won't be free.

ztmike
Mark for moderation
Premium
join:2001-08-02
Michigan City, IN

Ah HA!

quote:
Now the NFL loves Verizon, who just ponied up $720 million to take Sprint's place.
So this is what kind of stuff Verizon is spending the money on after they sell off "non profitable states" And here they say they don't "cherry pick" LOL

This company is a joke.
ravensfan55

join:2008-06-16
Severna Park, MD

$720 million?

No wonder Sprint dropped out of bidding, $720 million to be the "exclusive" carrier of the NFL is f-ing ridiculous. That's nearly the same amount the NFL's broadcast partners pay for TV rights, and not that many people watch games on their phones.

Razzy12345

@rr.com

Re: $720 million?

How do you know that? There are many of us with cable companies (TW for one) that doesnt have NFL Network.

Go Stillers

@comcast.net
You can't watch it. You listen to it live.. Ravens fans.. Go figure.. lol Go Stillers
PittsPgh
Premium
join:2003-08-21
Pittsburgh, PA
kudos:1

Re: $720 million?

said by Go Stillers :

You can't watch it. You listen to it live.. Ravens fans.. Go figure.. lol Go Stillers
Yes you can watch the games live.
came in handy on the one Thur night game while i was waiting for the other truck to arrive.
Paul

aaronwt
Premium
join:2004-11-07
Woodbridge, VA
Reviews:
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1 edit
said by ravensfan55:

No wonder Sprint dropped out of bidding, $720 million to be the "exclusive" carrier of the NFL is f-ing ridiculous. That's nearly the same amount the NFL's broadcast partners pay for TV rights, and not that many people watch games on their phones.
Sprint was paying 100 million a year. Isn't the 720 million the amount over four years? So that is 180 million a year.

the Networks are paying around 500 million and more a year.

Of course CBS just aired the most watched TV program in US history with Superbowl XLIV

Fireblade

join:2008-08-27
St Catharines, ON
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Reviews:
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That Money Could Go To...

What a waste, that money could be going to further build/upgrade their network and provide FIOS to many more people. How the hell are they going to get a return on that?
--
I love fish sticks. I love putting fish sticks in my mouth.

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