The NFL is rolling out an over-the-top service called "NFL Now," marking the league's latest content foray. The league is making a formal announcement this afternoon on the digital network that will debut this summer prior to the start of the '14 season. Through "NFL Now," the league will make highlights, news, features, archival material and on-demand programming available through computers, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles and other streaming devices. No live games are planned for the venture, which will carry a high degree of personalization based on one's favorite NFL team. Similar to the recently announced WWE Network, "NFL Now" will carry a large amount of free content, but the league also plans a premium-level, paid content portion called "NFL Now Plus." The NFL is touting "NFL Now" is as the deepest level of access to on-demand league content anywhere. The league has returned to some of its biggest sponsors to aid with the creation of "NFL Now." Verizon will be a presenting sponsor and key distribution partner of the venture, while Microsoft will expand its rights as the official game console and tablet of the NFL. "NFL Now" will be folded into the NFL XBox console application that launched last year. Yahoo and Gillette have also joined as launch partners. Yahoo in particular will offer direct links to "NFL Now" and promote it through its online and mobile properties. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL Media COO Brian Rolapp led the announcement today in N.Y. The announcement represents a rare media appearance for Goodell during Super Bowl week outside of his customary state of the league address.
