Looks like Verizon will have one less competitor to contend with in its bid to secure live-streaming rights from the National Football League (NFL).
According to a source cited by Bloomberg, social media titan Facebook has reportedly withdrawn from the bid proceedings. Though Facebook confirmed its interest in the streaming rights last month, the company was reportedly put off by the NFL’s advertising stipulations and early morning London games.
With Facebook out, that leaves Verizon, Yahoo and Amazon as the major bidders.
In early February, the NFL announced it was in “active discussions” with prospective partners for over-the-top streaming rights for “Thursday Night Football.” NFL executives said they were looking forward to expanding the league’s Thursday night programming through a digital partner and said digital streaming of the games will help “solidify this night in the consciousness of NFL fans.”
But among the remaining competitors, Verizon may have a leg up.
Late last year, the carrier struck a deal with the NFL to bring live streaming of local Sunday afternoon NFL games, and all Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football games to its customers through the NFL Mobile app.