It’s a question that keeps popping up on the internet: Who owns the NFL Network? Recently, I asked the same question myself, because I’m a huge Patriots fan. Well, I found out that the NFL Network is owned by the National Football League. Of course, that much makes total sense, but why did some people think there was another entity in charge?
The thing is, a ton of networks in the United States are owned by Mega Media companies like Disney-ABC, Viacom and Comcast. So, it’s easy to understand why some people thought that the NFL Network must be the same way. But it turns out, the NFL has a unique setup in that they’re not associated with any of these single company entities.
The league actually owns it wholly and completely and has complete control over it’s branding and the content that it produces.The NFL Network launched in 2003 and really took off in 2006, after the league negotiated access for a much bigger roster of cable and satellite providers and began offering who live games that would go up against the broadcast networks that carried regular season games.
The NFL Network has had an interesting impact on viewer habits. It brings dedicated fans even closer to the game with on-demand, in-depth game analysis, retro games, and Football Night in America live show broadcast from New York City. Plus, it’s helped some young talents-like Rich Eisen, Melissa Stark, and Michael Irvin-gain bigger name recognition.
But, in addition to the content and the personalities, the social media aspect is second to none. From player takeovers on the Network’s Twitter account to providing behind-the-scenes content on Instagram, things are as up-close-and-personal as ever.
The advantage that NFL Network now has over even the biggest broadcasters like Fox or NBC is that it can literally reach every fan in the US depending on your satellite package. And since the NFL Network is a major part of the NFL’s overall multibillion-dollar business, you can definitely bet that they’ll keep innovating and producing even more great content.
What’s really exciting is all the upcoming technology that will be available for streaming and watching the NFL Network in the future. We now have Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, Android TV and many more, giving us unlimited access to the unique content and programming on the NFL Network.
The NFL Network has had a huge impact on the way viewers consume sports. Gone are the days when cable was the only way you could watch games and NFL-related shows. Because of the NFL Network, you can now watch all your favorite teams and former players. In fact, the number of NFL fans, both old and new, is—and will be growing significantly in the coming years.
The NFL Network is also finding new ways to connect with younger audiences, with the launch of NFL Fantasy Football and NFL over-the-top streaming. They’ve also allowed in-game updates, fantasy stats and highlight reels to be streamed to connected TVs, mobile phones, and tablets.
The NFL Network also makes sure to include important social aspects. They love having special events in different cities that bridge the gap between the fans and the network itself. It’s all part of a mission to involve fans in the on-going success of the NFL and promote the sport to a larger audience.
I’m really excited about the future of the NFL Network, and I can’t wait to see what else they have in store for us as the years go by. In just a year or two, I predict that the NFL Network will have grown even bigger than it is today. Who knows–maybe one day it’ll become the biggest sports network in the US!