The NFL "intends to sell digital rights" for its Thursday Night Football games, and Facebook, which "until now has shied away from paying for content, is interested in the games," according to Peter Kafka of RE/CODE. Facebook to date has "been content to let other people upload video onto its giant platform, but its strategy appears to be shifting -- it’s also willing to pay celebrities (relatively small sums) to use its Live streaming service." Amazon also is interested, as sources said that the company has "broader ambitions in streaming sports and is looking to hire a high-level executive to steer that effort." Verizon is "looking at the packages as well," as the company is "making a significant bet on streaming video, with moves that include the acquisition of AOL and the launch of Go90." Yahoo "submitted preliminary paperwork in the bidding process," but it is unclear whether the company, "whose management, ownership and strategy are in flux, is still pursuing the games" (RECODE.net, 3/3). VARIETY's Todd Spangler wrote Facebook’s deal to stream TNF games, "if consummated, would mark its first major TV content deal." VideoNuze analyst Will Richmond: "It would be a watershed moment." A source said, "Facebook Live is a priority for them now." Spangler noted sports in particular are "huge on Facebook," as the company "estimates 650 million of its users worldwide are sports fans." The NFL games also "would dovetail very nicely with the recently launched Facebook Stadium, a hub that aggregates content and fan discussion about live sporting events." Manatt Digital Media CEO Peter Csathy said Facebook bidding for the games would be a "clear signal that it is moving beyond pure (user-generated content) with a goal of becoming a full-fledged media company." Spangler noted mobile rights are "off the table, because Verizon Wireless has those locked up for at least one more year" (VARIETY.com, 3/4).
