It seems that when DIRECTV NOW struck deals with many Fox affiliates it failed to get rights to NFL games. Not only did DIRECTV NOW subscribers not have access to the games but pregame coverage on Fox was also blacked out; however, Sling TV and PlayStation Vue offered access to the games.
When you look up the issue on DIRECTV NOW site you find this statement:
“Why is a nationally televised game not shown in my area? Due to our agreements with sports leagues and associations, we are restricted from showing events near where a game is played or broadcast locally…It’s important to understand that sports blackouts and game availability are controlled by the leagues, associations and networks that purchase the rights to broadcast individual games. To protect their rights, DIRECTV NOW must enforce the restrictions mandated by them.”
@directvnow Blacked out shows on channels you have paid for… why is this legal? #DirectTVNow pic.twitter.com/bLskjuU0U4
— Lunchbox (@brianm94) December 11, 2016
DIRECTV has also been suggesting subscribers use an antenna to watch the game.
Here is one last statement from DIRECTV NOW on the reasons behind the NFL black out:
If a game is blacked out from certain channels or subscription packages, you may be able to see it on another channel or on a local broadcast channel, if available in your area.
Note: NFL games are restricted on smartphones within the customer’s local market area, as well as national broadcasts of Sunday and Monday Night Football games. Games can be streamed on compatible tablets, computers or connected TVs, however.
Blackouts are not unusual but the sheer number of them on DIRECTV NOW caught many off guard.
Source: TV Predictions
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