RedZone, long celebrated for its uninterrupted coverage of NFL Sundays, will no longer be entirely commercial-free.
Host Scott Hanson said Wednesday the NFL’s whip-around show will include ads this season, confirming the change during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on the eve of Week 1.
Hanson, who has anchored the program since its 2009 debut, emphasized that breaks will be scheduled to avoid missing touchdowns or pivotal plays.
The move comes after ESPN acquired RedZone’s linear rights along with NFL Network as part of a recent deal that also gave the league a 10% equity stake in ESPN. The agreement shifts control of the popular whip-around broadcast to Disney’s flagship sports network, marking a major change in how fans will consume one of the NFL’s most beloved products.
Despite the new format, RedZone will continue delivering its signature wall-to-wall action when the season kicks off Sunday, with eight games in the early afternoon slot and four more late.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].