The Seven Network pulled something of a sporting coup off today, further sticking the knife into the already dearly struggling Channel Ten. Seven announced this morning that they have signed a five year deal which will see them broadcast live games from America’s National Football League from this year.
Under the deal, Seven and digital multichannel 7mate will broadcast three games consecutively from the Sunday NFL schedule, leading up to the marquee Sunday Night Football clash. These games will be shown live, and will reach Australian screens on Monday mornings. The deal also includes broadcast special event matches, such as NFL Kickoff and Thanksgiving. Seven will also be broadcasting the NFL Playoffs live, which includes extensive coverage of the Superbowl.
Beyond the live matches, Seven also becomes the official Australian broadcaster of NFL Network programming, which includes shows such as Hard Knocks, Sound FX, A Football Life, Road to the Super Bowl, Road to the Playoffs, and America’s Game: The Super Bowl Champions.
To promote the announcement, Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush is currently in the country for media appearances.
Previously all NFL related programming on free-to-air was screened on One. The new deal with Seven also does not affect the content screened on Fox Sports or ESPN, who broadcast different games live, and cover the Monday Night Football clash.
The 2014 NFL Season kicks off on Thursday September 4th (US time) with the Green Bay Packers travelling to take on the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Go Pack go!
Photo: John Moore via Getty Images.
