YouTube will stream NFL clips, three classic games from each team

The NFL and YouTube have re-upped an agreement first reached in 2015 to show a range of clips and games. The deal gives the NFL preferential space in Google’s search pages.

While the deal does not include streaming of current games, YouTube will be running a series of classic games, three for each team. While many teams (Dallas, New England, Pittsburgh, Denver) will have a range of possible classics, we’ll be interested indeed to see what “classics” the channel shows for, say, Jacksonville. (Fan voting will play a part in the decisionmaking process, so we’re counting on a strong Buttfumble showing, Jets fans.)

The NFL has continued its reach into online properties, having streamed or reached agreements to stream games on Yahoo Sports and Twitter, among other properties. As Re/Code notes, one noteworthy platform left unconnected is Facebook. The reason? Facebook does not allow pre-roll ads (those ads that run prior to the video) and the NFL and its advertisers don’t want to underwrite video without the opportunity to place ads at the head of it.

Bottom line: the days of the NFL being a TV-only property are at an end. Our advice? Start saving for that fancy pad and data plan. You’ll be able to watch NFL games everywhere soon enough.

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports and the author of EARNHARDT NATION. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.