The Agenda: NFL RedZone's Ad Return

In a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson dropped a bombshell: commercials are making a comeback to RedZone! The announcement triggered an online uproar, with fans voicing their frustrations towards Disney and ESPN, who recently made headlines for their equity deal with the league.

How Ads Will Work This Season

So, what does this mean for your Sunday viewing? Since December, RedZone has been experimenting with a split-screen ad format, where commercials play alongside live game action. This season, expect to see four 15-second ads during the epic seven-hour RedZone broadcast in Week 1, although this could change as the season progresses. Fear not, the football action won't disappear from your screen—this isn’t a full ad break situation.

NFL's Assurance: Minimal Interruptions

An NFL spokesperson assured fans that this ad load is 'incredibly small,' and while ads play, viewers will continue to enjoy the NFL action on one side of the screen, complete with ad audio. The league insists this change isn’t tied to the recent Disney-NFL deal, but rather a long-considered move.

Controversy and Confusion Around ESPN's Role

However, the announcement has left many fans scratching their heads about ESPN's involvement. While Disney is in the process of acquiring the NFL Network through a significant agreement, RedZone's ownership remains entirely with the NFL, meaning Disney will only purchase licensing and distribution rights.

Stay Tuned: Hanson Expands His Horizons

As RedZone continues to capture audiences, Scott Hanson's talents are being recognized beyond football. NBC’s Peacock is bringing him on board to host a Gold Zone whip-around show during the 2024 Paris Olympics, and he's set to return for a similar role in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hanson isn't going anywhere from RedZone, either; he recently inked a long-term contract extension.

A Popular Channel Worth Watching

While the NFL typically keeps RedZone's ratings under wraps, it's worth noting that the channel is available in over 50 million homes through various services. Access usually requires an additional fee—around $10 a month—or it can be part of premium sports packages.