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NFL's Decision to Broadcast Playoff Game Exclusively on Peacock Sparks Controversy

Despite Backlash, NFL and NBCUniversal Focus on Long-Term Growth of Streaming Amid Shift from Traditional TV

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Charles Omenihu #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

Overview

  • The NFL's decision to exclusively broadcast the Dolphins-Chiefs wild-card game on NBCUniversal's streaming service, Peacock, has sparked controversy among fans and sports media. This marks the first NFL playoff game to only be available on a streaming service.
  • Fans and sports media have criticized the move as a 'money grab', with some arguing it's unfair to charge for playoff games. The move is seen as particularly disadvantageous to older fans who may not have made the switch to streaming.
  • Despite the backlash, the NFL and NBCUniversal are focused on the long-term growth of Peacock and the shift from traditional TV to streaming. The NFL reportedly received $110 million from NBCUniversal for the rights to broadcast the game on its digital platform.
  • Peacock has around 30 million paying subscribers, significantly less than the reach of traditional TV networks. However, the NFL and its media partners are looking to stay ahead of the shift towards digital consumption, which accounted for 36.1% of total video consumption in November, according to Nielsen.
  • Despite the controversy, the NFL is expected to continue expanding its digital presence and may assign another exclusive playoff game to a streaming service next year.