NFL fans may have something to cheer about heading into the new season as DirectTV is reportedly going to be offering its Sunday Ticket for full access to all of the games on tap for the week online via streaming.
While the service won't be available, at least not immediately, in areas where the satellite provider has offerings, for those out of region it will mean having access to the largest number of games during the season.
The move is already sparking some minor celebrations in the football world, but DirectTV has not yet said if the new option will be made available across all its networks.
Currently, the NFL has an agreement with the satellite provider that gives DirectTV the rights to air all games on its satellite. Until recently, a fan had to purchase the entire DirectTV package in order to get Sunday Ticket. Now, this could be changing.
DirecTV has posted a new splash page offering the Internet only version for tablets, smartphones and game consoles, with prices starting at $199. The company calls it "NFL football for all," but if it doesn't change its current policy, it really isn't.
Some observers and tech analysts who follow the digital age of sports, have pointed to this as being a huge positive for fans, if DirectTV allows users who could otherwise have purchased their entire service, but chose not to, are able to get the Sunday Ticket.
For many, it is a win-win situation for DirectTV, but have warned that if DirectTV does lift its policy based on region, it should also implement a directive that current DirectTV customers cannot simply discontinue their service and then turn around and purchase the Sunday Ticket only.
Still, the option could be a boost for the satellite provider, especially as it watches the potential Time Warner-Comcast merger unfold. That could be a major test for the company to launch a number of new offerings to entice people to make the switch.
