Twitter wins heavily contested ‘NFL Global Streaming’ bid

Twitter has been announced as the surprise streaming service for NFL Thursday nights.

The social media network won the ‘NFL Global Streaming’ bid competing against the likes of Yahoo, Amazon and Verizon Global. Twitter will be allowed to stream ten NFL Thursday Night matches (in conjunction with CBS and NBC broadcasts) to its worldwide user base of approximately 350 million.

Tech industry insiders claim that Twitter paid $10 million for its 10 game package, whilst its bid rivals had offered the NFL $15 million for its content.

Twitter will be allowed to stream the matches via its syndicated partner network which includes Xbox, Tesco and Sky.

Confirming Twitter as Global Streaming Partner, Roger Goodell NFL Chief Commissioner stated that the league liked “Twitter’s global reach and demographic”. Goodell further noted that Twitter’s platform would complement the NFL’s existing broadcast and advertising partnerships.

Twitter’s poor 2015 results have dominated tech headlines, with the company showing a stagnation in its active users. Led by reassigned CEO and Co-Founder Jack Dorsey, Twitter has created a new executive team with a view of returning growth and engagement for its services.

The NFL 2016/17 season kicks off on 8 September.

This fall Thursday Night Football will be streamed live @twitter so fans will see more of this. https://t.co/s6tbr9FjvY

— Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) 5 April 2016