“NFL RedZone” will feature commercials during its broadcast for the first time beginning this season, longtime host Scott Hanson confirmed Wednesday.
Hanson, the host of “NFL RedZone” since its inaugural season in 2009, has traditionally begun each broadcast with his catchphrase, “Welcome to seven hours of commercial-free football.”
On Wednesday, however, he confirmed that RedZone will air commercial breaks beginning this season, the program’s first under ESPN ownership. The sports media giant acquired “NFL RedZone” as part of its purchase of NFL Network and other NFL media assets last month.
“The business folks handle the business, and I have no say over different elements that could or could not be in the show,” Hanson told “The Pat McAfee Show.” He revealed that his new catchphrase would be “Seven hours of RedZone football starts now,” beginning Sunday.
“I realize that might be a slight change to some of you, but that’s what the catchphrase will be going forward,” Hanson said.
“We are not going to sacrifice any great football for any of the business side of things. The business folks are going to handle the business, and we play the hand that’s dealt to us. But we will not miss a touchdown. We will not say, ‘Oh, okay, this is first and goal from the five, but let’s sell some pizza or pick-up trucks.’ You pick and choose your spots, like anything,” he added.
NFL fans can subscribe to “NFL RedZone” through NFL+ Premium or partnering TV providers including YouTube TV, Hulu+, Dish, DIRECTV and more.
The 2025 NFL season begins tonight with the Dallas Cowboys playing at the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at 8:20 p.m. EST.
“Funny how this news is coming on the heels of ESPN acquiring NFL Network,” said Marc Bona, features writer for cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer who has written four books on sports. “But really, haven’t we come to accept that ads are everywhere – pop-ups online and timed commercials on streaming channels? It’s the way of the world.”
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