Opinion: YouTube TV announces NFL Sunday Ticket price, let the illogical griping begin

Believe it or not, Google, owner of YouTube and YouTube TV, provides at least one positive in its announcement for a price structure for NFL Sunday Ticket, the league's package of out-of-market games previously exclusive to DirecTV.

The first is huge. Way back when I was a big football zombie, I camped in front of my set on Saturdays (college football) and Sundays – much to my family and lawn’s dismay. Back then, I subscribed to the Ticket. How hardcore was I? I didn't disconnect my cable during the football season and ran DirecTV for five months concurrently.

I paid two bills and I was happy to do it as long as I got my fix.

Although I currently subscribe to YouTube TV, my former self feels seen by Google. They will not require a subscription to their live TV provider. It can be ordered through YouTube Primetime Channels. Sunday Ticket will cost more, but it will be less than paying the equivalent of another live TV bill.

For those of us who used to pony up for what eventually became a $400 package (with the RedZone Channel), along with a subscription to the regular television portion, it really showed just how much we loved some NFL football.

Of course, it wasn’t uncommon for DirecTV to show some love to its most loyal customers and provide the Ticket at a discounted rate or for free. Some resorted to more nefarious means. Those are the ones kicking up a ruckus over pricing on various social media platforms.

How much is NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV?

For those YouTube TV customers who pre-order the Ticket beginning today, the price is $249, a savings of $100 off the regular season price. When packaged with the NFL RedZone channel the price is $289 for pre-sales, regularly $389.

For those who just want the Ticket, the cost is $349 during the pre-sale, $449 after. It's $389 when bundled with RedZone during the pre-sale and $489 after.

It's interesting that price is a point of contention given the games on television have a better view, instant replay, cheaper food and you don't have to run the risk of some dude who's chugged a 12-pack of Bud Light before noon losing his tailgate meal in your face.

And there are plenty of complaints across the spectrum about the lack of a one-team only option or single game offerings.

I suspect that for Google, pricing with a serious discount for early orders, represents a savvy move that holds the potential to significantly increase the number of subscribers for their product. The tech leader is promising new features to go with their new toy, including multi-view, a perk YouTube TV experimented with during March Madness that showed up to four games, along with fantasy data.

Although viewing options are limited, it’s also – and I may be stranded on an island with this opinion - fan friendly. By the time the package left DirecTV it had 1.5 million subscribers. It lost money for that service given its exclusivity. It wasn't giving everyrone discounts or free service.

The NFL is appointment television. Period. The top eight television shows of 2022 were all NFL football games. Having paid DirecTV those many years ago, I understand it's not cheap. But it's not realistic to expect it to be cheaper when the NFL's contract with its television partners partially dictate some of the cost terms.

The hardcore fans who want to watch their favorite teams will gripe. And pay.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: NFL Sunday Ticket pricing is here, fans don't rejoice