Facebook pens deal with the NFL for match highlights and exclusive Watch shows

NFLFacebook has agreed a multiyear deal with the National Football League (NFL) to deliver video and other content to fans.

As part of the deal, the NFL will post official highlights from all 256 regular season games, along with playoffs and the Super Bowl, on Facebook for people to access around the world. Furthermore, NFL Media, the league’s media division, will create exclusive content – from its NFL Films production arm – for Facebook’s Watch platform.

“We have millions of fans on Facebook, and they continue to demonstrate an incredible appetite for NFL content,” said Hans Schroeder, COO of NFL Media. “Were excited to bring a compelling set of highlights and shows from the NFL and our Clubs to our fans on Facebook.”

Facebook’s Watch platform will be home to NFL Game Recaps, NFL Turning Point, and Sound FX.

NFL Turning Point will document the lead up to, during, and after the turning points in the big games each week. The episodes will breakdown how plays developed, gain insight from players and coaches into the moments, and offer other unique perspectives. Meanwhile, Sound FX provides fans with a chance to hear what mic’d up players say during games when they are in the huddle, out in the field, and all other strategic discussions.

“Were excited for Watch to become a destination for NFL fans to catch up on the latest on-field action and connect with one another,” said Dan Reed, head of global sports partnerships at Facebook. “These full game recaps and shows will deliver comprehensive coverage while enabling the active NFL fan communities on Facebook to watch and debate the top storylines from each week.”

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Facebook is paying Bleacher Report millions of dollars for a reality show featuring NFL running back Marshawn Lynch.

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