NFL, DirecTV extend deal for Sunday Ticket package

The NFL has reached a deal with DirecTV for the popular NFL Sunday Ticket package.

The NFL has reached a new deal with DirecTV for the popular NFL Sunday Ticket package.

The deal, which is reportedly worth $1.5 billion annually, extends DirecTV's exclusive rights to air every Sunday out-of-market game over multiple years and includes Sunday Ticket's mobile and broadband streaming services.

Under the terms of the new deal, DirecTV customers will continue to receive access to the NFL Network "anytime, anywhere on virtually any device." DirecTV will also continue to air its Red Zone and Fantasy Zone channels.

From the NFL news release announcing the deal:

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with DIRECTV,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “DIRECTV and NFL SUNDAY TICKET have served our fans well for 20 years and continue to complement our broadcast television packages. We also appreciate DIRECTV’s commitment to NFL Network, which it has carried since the channel launched in 2003.”

“This new agreement is a testament to the terrific long-term relationship we have with the NFL and its millions of fans across the country,” said Mike White, chairman, president and CEO of DIRECTV. “NFL SUNDAY TICKET has always been the centerpiece of DIRECTV’s sports leadership and we’re pleased to continue our relationship with the NFL and be a part of the league’s future growth and success.”

On Tuesday, the FCC voted unanimously to repeal the so-called "blackout rule" that has prohibited many professional sports games from being shown on television.

- Chris Johnson