For many Americans, the NFL Sunday Ticket package is not available to watch because of their cable or satellite provider. Only DIRECTV carries the out of market sports package, and that means that many in apartments and condos can’t subscribe to satellite TV. Others are simply happy with their cable provider or the other satellite company – Dish Network and don’t want to be forced into a DIRECTV subscription. But what about watching the Sunday Ticket online?
For several years, Major League Baseball has offered a package that allows internet user access to all of their games. Priced at a little more than $100 a season, it has been a huge hit with fans across America, as well as those around the world who want to tap into MLB action while either working or traveling abroad. The NFL has resisted offering a similar package, probably due to the major networks fear of losing viewers of the nationally televised games. But last year the NFL finally allowed access to the Sunday Ticket online, though it was to a small group of Americans – those living in Manhattan.
For the 2009 season, DIRECTV finally offered Sunday Ticket on computers if you lived in the Manhattan area of New York City. Of course, this is one area where there are very few DIRECTV customers, as nearly all of the real estate there is divided into apartments and condominiums. Many are high rise units, which do not have private balconies that a potential customer would need to get satellite TV. Many apartments also have exclusive agreements with cable television companies in the area like Cablevision and Time Warner, which prevent the installation of a shared satellite system for residents. Of course DIRECTV Sunday Ticket online was not cheap, being offered at $349 for the full season.
According to USA Today, last seasons Manhattan experiment was the first step in rolling out the product to a national audience. The newspaper reports that DIRECTV will bring the product out for everyone for the 2010 NFL season. Will the hefty price tag of more than $300 stay? How many American will swallow hard and pay for Sunday Ticket online?
Expect DIRECTV to charge at least the $349 if not more once the product goes to a national audience. The satellite provider offers a Sunday Ticket promotion starting every summer, and they do not want to discourage people from signing up with their full package by offering the online product at a low price. Generally, the promotion offers at least four months of the Premier package at no charge when a customer buys the NFL Ticket at regular price. If Sunday Ticket online was priced too low, potential customers will stick with their current provider rather than switching to a full DIRECTV package.
You might also enjoy...
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Well its nice to know that there are some ticket promotions within the package.
I know that business is business, but this really shows that the NFL owners don’t give two hoots about the fans. Just like the rest of corp America. In truth if they allow all cable companies to buy into the package they could make more money.