Every Sunday during NFL season, viewers tuned into “NFL RedZone” heard Scott Hanson’s famous line: “Seven hours of commercial-free football starts now!” But this Sunday, things will change. For the first time, the show will include commercials.
In a recent chat on the “Pat McAfee Show,” Hanson revealed that viewers will see ads formatted as a “double-box.” One box will show a game, while the other plays an ad. This change comes after the NFL experimented with commercials last season, leading to mixed reactions from fans.
Hanson explained, “I’m just the host.” He doesn’t control these decisions. The NFL’s business team is busy shaping the future of RedZone, partnering with ESPN for broader exposure, but they maintain that RedZone’s production remains independent.
Why is this shift happening now? The key answer is money. The NFL seeks to reach $25 billion in revenue by 2027. They made about $22.2 billion last year, growing steadily. To achieve this, they’re willing to adapt—even when it means breaking old promises like commercial-free broadcasts.
Historically, fans often resist changes. Social media is likely to buzz with complaints initially, just as they did when NASCAR introduced similar double-box ads. But over time, viewers usually adjust.
As Richard Deitsch, a sports media writer, noted, “The NFL will continue to find new ways to create revenue.” Adapting to added commercials might become the new norm for fans.
But will this affect viewer engagement? A 2022 survey indicated that 62% of sports fans appreciate interactive ads—ads that match their interests. This trend suggests that well-integrated advertisements could enhance the viewing experience rather than detract from it.
In conclusion, the NFL is balancing tradition and innovation in its quest for growth. Fans will have to decide how much they’re willing to embrace this change.
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NFL, Sports Business