Roger Goodell tries to explain why the league is launching NFL Plus

The NFL is working on its own direct-to-consumer streaming service, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told CNBC in an interview. Goodell didn't specify what content would be available on the service, which he called "NFL Plus," but the league aims to launch it for the upcoming NFL season.

"We think it's very important to have a direct relationship with the consumer," Goodell said. "We think we have a lot of content and a lot of potential to be able to do that. Consumers want it, so we're very excited about NFL Plus. But it's really early. I think That over the years you'll see it continue to grow. And this will be an important opportunity for us to speak directly to our fans. It's an important strategy for us going forward."

As long as it can be available, "the time will be for this season, at least in the early stages," he said. "Details, we'll wait and let you know in a few weeks." The NFL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In May, Sports Business Journal reported that NFL Plus is expected to launch this month and will offer live games, though the available games will limit what you can watch in your local market. The service is expected to cost around $5 a month, but a source told Sports Business Journal that could change. The service can also provide radio, podcasts and team-produced content.

In a CNBC interview, Goodell also discussed a possible next home for the NFL Sunday Ticket, which is expected to move to a different platform after the NFL's contract with DirecTV expires at the end of the 2022 season for a lucrative package. Is. Apple, Amazon and Disney are reportedly among the companies vying for the deal, and Goodell told CNBC that "I clearly believe" NFL Sunday Ticket will move to a streaming service.

"We truly believe that these new platforms give us the ability to innovate and improve our consumer experience beyond where we are today," Goodell said. “It obviously makes it more accessible to our consumers, and especially to the younger demographic, which is what we really want to achieve. I think it will make it more accessible to fans, I think. It's going to be a better experience for fans and we're excited about it. Goodell expects the NFL to make a decision on its Sunday ticket by the fall.

Amazon as the new home would make some sense because it already has a huge deal with the NFL for Thursday Night Football. Disney owns ESPN and the ESPN Plus streaming service, making NFL Sunday Ticket a logical fit there as well. And while the Apple TV Plus' Friday Night Baseball debut may not be a home run, the company just announced a great deal to stream every Major League Soccer match for 10 years starting in 2023, indicating That the iPhone maker is serious about upping its game. Presentation.