Never let a little thing like declining ratings, a product in decline, and national public backlash, get in the way of making a buck. At least, that seems to be the message DirecTV is sending after the company raised prices for the NFL Sunday Ticket.
Despite a ten percent drop in overall ratings last year, DirecTV announced that it will raise prices for Sunday Ticket to $293.84 for the 2018 season — up from the $281.94 they charged last year. For the Sunday Ticket Max, a package which includes NFL Red Zone and Fantasy Zone channels, the price is now a whopping $395.94.
Nor are fans pleased by the decreasing level of exclusivity the Sunday Ticket package provides:
Someone at @DIRECTV explain to me why cost for the #SundayTicket continues to rise while my exclusivity to games decreases?? I’m seeing less games because TNF/London games but paying more $$? Ridiculous! May as well cancel…
— Brandon Murchison (@RotoSuperstar) February 20, 2018
Some were upset by the fact that DirecTV offers large discounts to new customers, while gouging longtime, loyal customers:
F*** you @DIRECTV…I've had Sunday Ticket since it started and it gerts getting more and more expensive while new subscribers get huge discounts. As a long time customer I have yet to see anything as a thank you for just being loyal. https://t.co/Xclu45R3eB
— Timothy Ray Brandon (@TBrandon84) February 19, 2018
$400 for Sunday Ticket? Get the whole hell outta here.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) February 19, 2018
$400 for NFL Sunday Ticket next year. With 16 games in a season, if you discipline yourself to only spend $25 at a restaurant after tip, you can still watch the games and spend the same amount of money with food in your belly.
— JT (6-4) (@Jaberuski) February 20, 2018
I have had @DIRECTV for almost 20 years, have to say that I am extremely disappointed in their latest decision to raise the price of the @NFL Sunday Ticket to almost $400. This customer will be canceling!
— Todd Zoltoski (@TZoltoski) February 20, 2018
Some used choreography to end their relationship with DirecTV:
Canceled pic.twitter.com/A6xmKXwHoh
— Reid Stillman (@reidstillman) February 19, 2018
According to USA Today Sports, “DirecTV’s deal with the NFL is worth $1.5 billion a year and runs through the 2022 season. But fans have easier access to NFL games with online streams. Unlike the NBA, the NFL doesn’t offer a team-specific Sunday Ticket package at a reduced price.”
It looks like DirecTV is going to be trying to pay that bill with a whole lot fewer customers.
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn
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