Verizon’s recent $4.8 billion acquisition of Yahoo! may have a big effect on the way individuals consume sports content and participate by way of fantasy sports products, according to a Forbes.com report.
Yahoo! live-streamed an NFL game last season between the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars in London, with 33.6 million total views. CEO Marissa Mayer already has indicated the potential for more big content licensing after the acquisition.
Verizon has demonstrated a desire to not only be heavily involved in live streaming events, but also a proclivity for partnering with the NFL. The company is responsible for the NFL Mobile app, which provides current and legacy price plans for Verizon customers who live stream local Sunday, Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football games. It also streamed NFL postseason games. That type of access could be instrumental in Verizon growing its customer base, according to Forbes.com.
Verizon also is the official wireless service sponsor of the NFL, a deal that was extended for four years in 2014 for $1 billion. — M.Q.