Sunday Ticket Negotiations

[SoMAn]

2 hours ago, Colorado Mike said:

also in the northern ‘burbs

There are a lot of up in these parts.    If I wear any Bills gear out in public I have a better than 50% chance of getting a comment from another ex-WNYer and/or Bills fan.  
  Been in Woodstock GA zip code for 30 years.  Sleepy little town has turned into party central on weekends with lots of live music, brew pubs, and upscale dining. Would have enjoyed it a lot more if I were 30 years younger. On the plus side, my home’s value has appreciated considerably with this in-demand market. 
maybe we need a local Bills-backers chapter up this way 

Edited July 10, 2022 by SoMAn

[The Wiz]

On 7/8/2022 at 8:52 PM, T&C said:

Why has this been around for over a decade then? If it was illegal the folks who say it is illegal would have done something about it. No? Or is there some kind of morals involved here. Me personally... I'm not missing Bills/Sabres games. The superboxes are readily available on Amazon, walmart, and a shift ton of other venues. It's perfectly fine to use... as are the sites you can use on the internet. Trust me man, I'm not missing out on a Bills game no matter what. Isn't that what this mafia crap is about lol.

The reality is that people using this method of watching anything outside of their allowed market is likely 0.001% of the overall viewership. 

 

I don't know if the number is that small but the cost to go after people for doing this is likely greater than the amount they are losing. 

 

Also going after the VPN companies would be a waste since probably 95% of their usage is legal. 

[eball]

9 minutes ago, The Wiz said:

I don't know if the number is that small but the cost to go after people for doing this is likely greater than the amount they are losing

 

For people only using a GPS spoofer to watch free local TV in a different market, this number is negligible, and perhaps not even able to be calculated.  “Eyes on local ads” is the only cost.

[The Dean]

15 minutes ago, The Wiz said:

The reality is that people using this method of watching anything outside of their allowed market is likely 0.001% of the overall viewership. 

 

I don't know if the number is that small but the cost to go after people for doing this is likely greater than the amount they are losing. 

 

Also going after the VPN companies would be a waste since probably 95% of their usage is legal. 

 

 

The VPN itself if most likely completely legal. What is illegal is the service allowing the streaming of games that are legally protected. Charging for them complicates the matter even more for the service provider.

 

There are plenty of reasons some may survive for a long time. Not the least of which these services are typically based overseas (Russia, Eastern Europe, etc) often protected by "bulletproof" hosting providers. The same kind of protection scammers/spammers use. It typically takes a lot of time/effort and international cooperation to take these things down. And as you note, in the grand scheme of all  issues law enforcement is facing and the battles the NFL is currently fighting, it probably is a very low priority.  But of course some have been taken down in the past.  But never assume "getting away with something" makes it legal. It does not.

 

https://cybernews.com/what-is-vpn/are-vpns-legal/

Quote

 

While the act of using a VPN is not inherently illegal in the US, many activities done using a VPN might be illegal.

Here’s what you shouldn’t do with a VPN in the US:

 

Pirate copyrighted content. Although copyright law is rarely enforced against individual citizens who pirate content, it’s still illegal—and there might be repercussions from your Internet service provider (ISP) in case your VPN leaks or logs data.

 

 

[TSNBDSC]

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/08/nfl-will-select-new-sunday-ticket-partner-by-fall-commissioner-roger-goodell-says.html

 

DirecTV isn't bidding to renew the package but is willing to partner with the winner, CNBC reported.

 

[nucci]

17 hours ago, TSNBDSC said:

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/08/nfl-will-select-new-sunday-ticket-partner-by-fall-commissioner-roger-goodell-says.html

 

DirecTV isn't bidding to renew the package but is willing to partner with the winner, CNBC reported.

 

guessing for bars and restaurants

[Chandler#81]

I heard this morning AppleTV won the contract, starting in September.

(sources within)

[eball]

4 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said:

I heard this morning AppleTV won the contract, starting in September.

(sources within)

 

Hoping like hell you are correct.

[nucci]

44 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said:

I heard this morning AppleTV won the contract, starting in September.

(sources within)

well, it won't start this September, unless they worked out a deal with DirecTV

Edited July 11, 2022 by nucci

[Xwnyer]

11 minutes ago, nucci said:

well, it won't start this September, unless they worked out a deal with DirecTV

Would actually be great since I am moving in October n can’t put a dish up until HOA approves likely 2 months after move in

[eball]

1 hour ago, nucci said:

well, it won't start this September, unless they worked out a deal with DirecTV

 

And who is to say they haven't?  DirecTV has been giving away the Ticket like crazy anyway.  They know they're losing it.  Apple would certainly give up some cash to get it this season.

 

Fingers crossed...

 

[nucci]

4 minutes ago, eball said:

 

And who is to say they haven't?  DirecTV has been giving away the Ticket like crazy anyway.  They know they're losing it.  Apple would certainly give up some cash to get it this season.

 

Fingers crossed...

 

Hence my comment. 

[ExWNYer]

1 hour ago, Xwnyer said:

Would actually be great since I am moving in October n can’t put a dish up until HOA approves likely 2 months after move in

 

Are you moving into a single-dwelling home? If so, you don't need your HOA's approval. It's a communications device and they can't prohibit you from installing a dish (39" or less) within the confines of your property.

 

"In 1996, the FCC adopted the Over the Air Reception Device Rule, or OTARD rule. In short, the OTARD rule prohibits homeowners' associations and condominium associations from placing restrictions on residents which impede the installation, maintenance, or use of satellite dishes, TV antennas, or wireless cable antennas."

 

http://www.ccfj.net/FCClaw.htm

[Ned Flanders]

2 hours ago, Chandler#81 said:

I heard this morning AppleTV won the contract, starting in September.

(sources within)

None of the sports media outlets I follow are reporting this.  Source?

[Chandler#81]

Not carved in stone, but leaning that way..

https://9to5mac.com/2022/07/08/apple-and-nfl-sunday-ticket-fall/

[FilthyBeast]

I've had directv for years, mostly for access to Sunday ticket.

 

I don't care about another service landing it going forward but I think the issue most people are going to have is that if you are moving to 100% streaming, what about DVR for folks that like to rewatch games, have to start the game a little later, want to pause for a quick break, etc. What about the 1000s of bars and restaurants that have relied on the service for years as well?

 

Let's also not forget that most streaming there is always a lag no matter how good the quality so if you are also on your phone online you might find out about as score or something before it happens in real time.

 

In the end I just think it's a bit silly to move exclusively to streaming vs. using it as a compliment to directv or another traditional provider.

[The Dean]

2 hours ago, ExWNYer said:

 

Are you moving into a single-dwelling home? If so, you don't need your HOA's approval. It's a communications device and they can't prohibit you from installing a dish (39" or less) within the confines of your property.

 

"In 1996, the FCC adopted the Over the Air Reception Device Rule, or OTARD rule. In short, the OTARD rule prohibits homeowners' associations and condominium associations from placing restrictions on residents which impede the installation, maintenance, or use of satellite dishes, TV antennas, or wireless cable antennas."

 

http://www.ccfj.net/FCClaw.htm

 

 

DirecTV has an online streaming option now. No dish needed. And I don't think you need to prove you can't use a dish. Open for all, is what I'm getting:

 

https://www.directv.com/stream/

[nucci]

4 hours ago, FilthyBeast said:

I've had directv for years, mostly for access to Sunday ticket.

 

I don't care about another service landing it going forward but I think the issue most people are going to have is that if you are moving to 100% streaming, what about DVR for folks that like to rewatch games, have to start the game a little later, want to pause for a quick break, etc. What about the 1000s of bars and restaurants that have relied on the service for years as well?

 

Let's also not forget that most streaming there is always a lag no matter how good the quality so if you are also on your phone online you might find out about as score or something before it happens in real time.

 

In the end I just think it's a bit silly to move exclusively to streaming vs. using it as a compliment to directv or another traditional provider.

It's only because the NFL wants $2B for the Ticket and DirecTV won't pay it. Only one's that will are Disney, Amazon and Apple

[muppy]

Im going to be subscribing to something. I only can hope the process will be seamless for we Sunday ticket subscribers and not jack up our rates.  I have a great deal going already. Having said that I wouldn't mind paying for my "away full season tickets" via my big screen TV for all the obvious reasons. My main one is DVR capability and reliability.  I dont hear that much whining from Bills season ticket holders on what they have to pay for their season tickets.

 I just want the decision where the NFL viewing package  is going  to be streaming from already. 

[The Dean]

10 hours ago, Chandler#81 said:

I heard this morning AppleTV won the contract, starting in September.

(sources within)

 

Right

 

I see absolutely ZERO about this anywhere. The most recent news is still that it will be announced by the fall of this year. And DTV still has this coming season on their contract. So if it were awarded for fall of 2022, my guess is it will also be on DTV for one season. But even that is just a WAG.

[ExWNYer]

6 hours ago, The Dean said:

 

 

DirecTV has an online streaming option now. No dish needed. And I don't think you need to prove you can't use a dish. Open for all, is what I'm getting:

 

https://www.directv.com/stream/

 

You may be right. My answer was in response to @Xwnyer who posted, "Would actually be great since I am moving in October n can’t put a dish up until HOA approves likely 2 months after move in." My point was that the HOA cannot stop you from putting up a DTV or Dish Network satellite on your property and you don't need their permission. They are all bark and no bite.  Attempting to put up one of those big C-Band dishes is another story.

 

[The Dean]

1 hour ago, ExWNYer said:

 

You may be right. My answer was in response to @Xwnyer who posted, "Would actually be great since I am moving in October n can’t put a dish up until HOA approves likely 2 months after move in." My point was that the HOA cannot stop you from putting up a DTV or Dish Network satellite on your property and you don't need their permission. They are all bark and no bite.  Attempting to put up one of those big C-Band dishes is another story.

 

 

Yes I know.  Mostly I was just supplying this info as I didn't see it mentioned. No need for the dish at all, it seems. Perhaps Xwner can skip the HOA fuss altogether. 

[Chandler#81]

“According to CNBC, Amazon, Apple, and Disney have all placed bids to be the exclusive streaming service for the NFL’s Sunday Ticket. DirecTV currently has rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket but is not renewing after the 2022-2023 season.”

 

from link I posted

2 hours ago, The Dean said:

 

Right

 

I see absolutely ZERO about this anywhere. The most recent news is still that it will be announced by the fall of this year. And DTV still has this coming season on their contract. So if it were awarded for fall of 2022, my guess is it will also be on DTV for one season. But even that is just a WAG.

 

[nucci]

They will announce a decision by the Fall to take effect next season. DirecTV still has exclusive rights for this season.

[eball]

22 minutes ago, nucci said:

They will announce a decision by the Fall to take effect next season. DirecTV still has exclusive rights for this season.

 

I think that is one reasonable interpretation of Goodell's comments, but it is curious how he phrased it.  I still see an opening for the new provider to gain access to this year's schedule.

[nucci]

1 minute ago, eball said:

 

I think that is one reasonable interpretation of Goodell's comments, but it is curious how he phrased it.  I still see an opening for the new provider to gain access to this year's schedule.

I agree it's possible but I think timing is interesting. Whomever gets awarded will have to be up and running quickly with a plan in place to sell it. People will need to sign up for Apple TV, Amazon Prime or Disney+, then purchase the Ticket. Probably not as difficult as I may think but it is a lot. Plus Directv has exclusive rights for one more season. They'll want money to give it up

[eball]

3 minutes ago, nucci said:

They'll want money to give it up

 

Absolutely, and I think Apple, Disney, or Amazon are certainly willing and able to pay.  We'll see.

[Colorado Mike]

On 7/10/2022 at 2:31 PM, SoMAn said:

There are a lot of up in these parts.    If I wear any Bills gear out in public I have a better than 50% chance of getting a comment from another ex-WNYer and/or Bills fan.  
  Been in Woodstock GA zip code for 30 years.  Sleepy little town has turned into party central on weekends with lots of live music, brew pubs, and upscale dining. Would have enjoyed it a lot more if I were 30 years younger. On the plus side, my home’s value has appreciated considerably with this in-demand market. 
maybe we need a local Bills-backers chapter up this way 

I'm in Chamblee - only been here 6 years.  Been to a couple of good Bills Backers bars not far from me, one in Norcross and one on Buckhead.  Met Andre Reed at the latter a few years ago.  Of course, as one might suspect from my participation in this thread, I have Sunday Ticket every year and typically watch almost every game at home.  The wife and I also get regular comments from other Bills fans when sporting Bills clothing.  At least a "Go Bills" if not a full blown conversation.

[The Dean]

Maybe I should have posted this here. Maybe I shouldn't have posted it at all. Hard to know.

3 hours ago, The Dean said:

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/07/21/are-nfls-sunday-ticket-talks-not-going-well/

 

It's a Florio article, so take it for what it's worth.

 

[TheFunPolice]

Everyone says you don't need a dish and can just stream Sunday ticket but that's not true.

 

They will check your address and if they decide you can get a dish (their call) you're SOL.

 

Wherever they go it should be no additional hardware required. Just pay money and get product. Like every other sports league. 

[Spiderweb]

On 7/11/2022 at 11:06 AM, eball said:

 

Hoping like hell you are correct.

Not me.... Hoping like heck it's anyone other than the evil empire.

[WhoTom]

28 minutes ago, Spiderweb said:

Not me.... Hoping like heck it's anyone other than the evil empire.

 

All empires are evil. That's how they got to be empires.

 

 

[Maybe Someday]

I hope the Thursday night football rating on Amazon are so low this year that the NFL realizes that steaming only options are not a good idea. 

Edited July 23, 2022 by Maybe Someday

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

14 minutes ago, Maybe Someday said:

I hope the Thursday night football rating on Amazon are so low this year that the NFL realizes that steaming only options are not a good idea. 

Nah man. Streaming only for the win. DirecTV is a dinosaur 

[LabattBlue]

21 minutes ago, Maybe Someday said:

I hope the Thursday night football rating on Amazon are so low this year that the NFL realizes that steaming only options are not a good idea. 

As long as the contract helps contribute to the owners making fistfuls of money, they could not care less about the ratings.  
 

The only ones concerned with ratings are those shelling out massive amounts of green paper.  

Edited July 23, 2022 by BTB

[97bills]

On 6/25/2022 at 6:19 AM, newcam2012 said:

Should I call and see if I can get the ticket for free or should I wait? 

Call them, I called two weeks ago after reading on here how everyone was getting it free. The first time the guy told me  they randomly pick loyal customers. So I called back 3 days ago and got the NFL ticket max for free. My first time ever getting it free and I’ve been a customer for 7 years. So if you don’t get it the first call keep trying. Oh yea this is important ask for the loyalty department when you call 

[Maybe Someday]

6 hours ago, Joe in Winslow said:

Nah man. Streaming only for the win. DirecTV is a dinosaur 

I don’t disagree re DIRECTV but the quality of the feeds for the streaming games last year were horrible. Plus, as crazy as it sounds in 2022, not everyone has access to great internet. I have only 1 option in my area and that’s the local cable company. Sometimes I have no issues with streaming, other times it’s choppy. 

 

6 hours ago, BTB said:

As long as the contract helps contribute to the owners making fistfuls of money, they could not care less about the ratings.  
 

The only ones concerned with ratings are those shelling out massive amounts of green paper.  

Unfortunately this is true. 

 

43 minutes ago, 97bills said:

Call them, I called two weeks ago after reading on here how everyone was getting it free. The first time the guy told me  they randomly pick loyal customers. So I called back 3 days ago and got the NFL ticket max for free. My first time ever getting it free and I’ve been a customer for 7 years. So if you don’t get it the first call keep trying. Oh yea this is important ask for the loyalty department when you call 

Did they make you sign a contract when you did?  In the past whenever they offered this you had to sign up for 2 more years.  

[The Dean]

Google joining the action?

 

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/07/24/report-google-has-made-a-bid-for-sunday-ticket/

 

[newcam2012]

23 hours ago, 97bills said:

Call them, I called two weeks ago after reading on here how everyone was getting it free. The first time the guy told me  they randomly pick loyal customers. So I called back 3 days ago and got the NFL ticket max for free. My first time ever getting it free and I’ve been a customer for 7 years. So if you don’t get it the first call keep trying. Oh yea this is important ask for the loyalty department when you call 

I called them today. I'm already getting $50 off a month for 12 months due to me threatening to go to dish. Today, the loyalty rep told me the standard NFL ticket was I believe $293. She said I could pay that in 4 monthly installments and she would take additional $20 a month off my bill for 12 months. Thus, off setting most of the NFL ticket price. I refused the offer and politely asked if I was under contract. I knew I wasn't. She said no I wasn't and I replied ok I'm going to look at my choices. Thank you. She responded by giving me the $20 off for 12 months with no NFL ticket. Good and bad I guess. 

 

Maybe I'll just have to go to the bar to watch the Bills games. Good thing is they have 4 or 5 nationally televised games. 

 

Any advice? Maybe try again in a few weeks? I doubt I will get it now. Maybe a couple of weeks into the season? 

[The Dean]

2 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

I called them today. I'm already getting $50 off a month for 12 months due to me threatening to go to dish. Today, the loyalty rep told me the standard NFL ticket was I believe $293. She said I could pay that in 4 monthly installments and she would take additional $20 a month off my bill for 12 months. Thus, off setting most of the NFL ticket price. I refused the offer and politely asked if I was under contract. I knew I wasn't. She said no I wasn't and I replied ok I'm going to look at my choices. Thank you. She responded by giving me the $20 off for 12 months with no NFL ticket. Good and bad I guess. 

 

Maybe I'll just have to go to the bar to watch the Bills games. Good thing is they have 4 or 5 nationally televised games. 

 

Any advice? Maybe try again in a few weeks? I doubt I will get it now. Maybe a couple of weeks into the season? 

 

 

I believe they have 6 "stand alone" nationally televised games.  They are likely to have 2-3 Sunday late afternoon games that a good part of the country will get. 

 

I'm in the same boat. Trying to figure out if the Ticket is worth it, this year.