NFL RedZone fans got a jarring surprise during Sunday's broadcast when, for the first time in its history, the channel ran commercials during its commercial-free coverage. As host Scott Hanson likes to say, viewers were promised "seven hours of commercial-free football" — but that wasn't the case this time.
Videos by FanBuzz
Instead, viewers saw split-screen segments where commercials were playing alongside live game footage, with the audio of the ad blaring through. Naturally, fans weren't thrilled.
Social media exploded with complaints, as many felt the commercials detracted from the immersive experience that RedZone has long been known for. The channel's appeal has always been its ability to seamlessly switch between games, keeping the action nonstop and allowing fans to stay on top of every key play without interruption.
Yesterday, that key selling point seemed to vanish, leaving many fans wondering what happened to the formula they had come to love.
NFL Media later confirmed to Sportico that Sunday's broadcast was a test run for what could become a regular feature. The plan, it seems, is to introduce commercial breaks during RedZone broadcasts starting in the 2025 season. It's a decision that reflects the growing commercial pressures the NFL faces, as it looks to monetize every inch of its massive TV footprint.
RedZone has exploded in popularity, particularly among hardcore football fans, fantasy enthusiasts, and bettors who want to track every game in real-time. It's become a must-watch for those who can't get enough of the NFL's high-stakes action. But introducing commercials threatens to chip away at what made the service special in the first place.
If Sunday was any indication, the NFL might be willing to risk alienating some of its most loyal viewers in exchange for a little extra revenue. Time will tell whether this new move will be embraced — or if RedZone fans will push back hard against this intrusion into their Sunday routine.
