In a deal with Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) and DirectTV Group (DTV), NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the National Football League will now broadcast some of their Thursday and Saturday games live over the Internet, according to Reuters.
The NFL has said that the first broadcast will start on December 7, and be available to subscribers of Verizon's Fios high-speed Internet service, along with DirecTV customers who are signed up under Verizon's joint marketing arrangement.
Goodall, I think, also has a good handle on the place for computers and cell phones in the mix, as he added that while fans prefer their games on regular TVs in the living room, they also want additional football information and entertainment on their other devices as well.
But concerning the game itself, he said, "It is a three-hour experience, frankly, it is counter to what we are seeing. People want to see it on the wide screen."
He's right. Although people behind the scenes are trying to make it look like mobiles are the next big area where people want an experience similar to TV, in reality it's not true. The majority would rather have small bits and chunks to watch rather than stretched out experiences.
The upcoming game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals will be a test-run to see how it works internally. The December 7th game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns will be the initial launch to the public.
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