‘Sunday Ticket’ headed to YouTube beginning next season
Fans will have to Google it beginning next season if they want to access the NFL’s “Sunday Ticket” package.
The NFL announced an agreement on Thursday for Google to distribute the package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime Channels.
The seven-year deal is worth a little more than $2 billion per season. The package has been on DirecTV since 1994. The satellite provider has paid $1.5 billion per year on an eight-year contract that expires at the end of this season.
The NFL had been seeking $2.5 billion per season for the package. It could still reach that total since the league retains commercial rights to bars and restaurants and is in the midst of selling those rights.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said during an interview with CNBC over the summer that the next move for “Sunday Ticket” would be to a streaming service because that would be the best option for fans. Goodell reiterated that with Thursday’s announcement.
“For a number of years we have been focused on increased digital distribution of our games and this partnership is yet another example of us looking towards the future and building the next generation of NFL fans,” he said in a statement.
Titans’ Tannehill out
NASHVILLE, TENN. » Tennessee rookie Malik Willis will start his third NFL game Saturday against the Houston Texans with veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill ruled out with an injured right ankle.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel refused to discuss Tannehill’s future beyond this game.
“Just out this week,” Vrabel said Thursday. “I don’t have to issue an injury report for next week until next week.”
The Titans (7-7) sit atop the AFC South looking for a third straight division title, yet their once four-game lead is down to one with three games remaining.
This will be Willis’ second start against the Texans (1-12-1). He threw only 10 passes in a 17-10 win in Houston on Oct. 30 with Derrick Henry running for 219 yards and two touchdowns. The Titans will need Willis’ mobility with center Ben Jones placed on injured reserve after his second concussion in a month.
Jackson to miss third straight game
OWINGS MILLS, MD. » Lamar Jackson will miss a third straight game when the Baltimore Ravens host the Atlanta Falcons Saturday.
Jackson was ruled out because of a knee injury. He was hurt in a win over Denver on Dec. 4. The Ravens have split two road games since then, beating Pittsburgh and losing to Cleveland with Tyler Huntley starting at quarterback.
Huntley is listed as questionable for this weekend because of right shoulder issues, but coach John Harbaugh said he is likely to start against the Falcons.
Pickett ready to go
PITTSBURGH » Kenny Pickett isn’t worried that he’s become concussion prone after sustaining a second one in a matter of months, though the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback is taking steps to hopefully avoid more of them down the road.
The 20th overall pick in last spring’s draft will wear a larger helmet Saturday night when the Steelers (6-8) host Las Vegas (6-8), The new helmet offers a little more protection for the back of Pickett’s head.
“Slamming my head on the ground is what has been the issue,” Pickett said. “(The new helmet) has (more protection) in the back, which I think will help.”