Football fans, get ready for an exciting lineup of live games on NFL Network and NFL+ starting next month, but this time, they won’t feature NFL teams.
In a groundbreaking move, the NFL-owned cable channel and its streaming service have inked a deal to broadcast Arena Football League (AFL) games and Overtime’s OT7 matchups. Over 30 AFL games will be televised and streamed live, kicking off on April 27 right after the NFL Draft. Meanwhile, OT7 coverage will commence on April 6 and 7 at 4 p.m. and will continue through May 5.
David Jurenka, senior VP at NFL Media, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with the AFL and OT7 to bring more live football to NFL Network. The energy surrounding live football games is unmatched, and we’re thrilled to provide our fans such great action from these two leagues throughout the spring.”
While spring football leagues are not a new concept, the addition of AFL and OT7 games to NFL Network’s lineup signifies a significant expansion of live football content. In the past, NFL Network has televised games from various leagues, including the Canadian Football League, Alliance of American Football, and American Flag Football League. The decision to broadcast AFL and OT7 games underscores the network’s commitment to providing diverse football programming beyond the NFL season.
Moreover, spring leagues like OT7 are increasingly seen as platforms for developing future NFL talent. With a focus on high school-age players, OT7 offers a unique opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills and potentially transition to higher levels of play. NFL executive VP of football operations, Troy Vincent, Sr., emphasized the importance of these developmental leagues, stating, “The Arena Football League and Overtime’s OT7 provide yet another opportunity for coaches, players, and officials to develop their skills and showcase their talent to the growing football fanbase.”
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming AFL and OT7 games, football enthusiasts can look forward to an action-packed spring season filled with exciting matchups and emerging talent on NFL Network and NFL+.
