PHOENIX -- A stripped-down version of "Sunday Ticket" that shows fewer games at a lower cost? The ability to allow viewers to pick multiple games that they can watch on their screen? These are two of several ideas the NFL and YouTube have discussed implementing in September when the out-of-market package moves to YouTube after three decades on DirecTV. NFL’s Chief Media & Business Officer Brian Rolapp outlined these potential changes during an interview with the Marchand & Ourand Sports Media Podcast. "It's a product that, for all intents and purposes, has not changed in almost 30 years," Rolapp said.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE: Viewers will not be able to buy a package focused on a single team, Rolapp said. But league officials are intrigued with the idea of a lower cost version that would not have all the games. "There's probably a lot of opportunity between the all-you-can-eat and free television," he said. He described YouTube as uniquely suited to roll out interactive features and allowing viewers to have more control in deciding the games they want to see side-by-side. "Clearly the mobile and smaller screen experience is going to be outstanding because YouTube's so strong there," Rolapp said. "All of the growth is in mobile."
THAT'S THE TICKET: Rolapp said that he did not know the price that YouTube will charge, noting that YouTube, not the league, sets the price. But he reiterated that "Sunday Ticket" will continue to be priced as a premium product. "We believe how it'll be priced and how to be positioned. It will be complimentary and premium on top of Sunday afternoon."
