History of NFL+ in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 8, 2025

NFL+ is a subscription service from the NFL offering live-streaming of radio broadcasts for all NFL games, in-market game broadcasts on mobile devices, and out-of-market preseason games. Subscribers also gain live access to NFL Network and NFL Films content. The premium tier expands access with on-demand game replays, including alternate viewing angles like "All-22" and "Coaches Film", plus live NFL RedZone access, enhancing the viewing experience for football fans.

January 2003: NFL partners with RealNetworks for streaming

In January 2003, the NFL announced a partnership with RealNetworks for streaming media, offering exclusive multimedia features during the playoffs via RealOne SuperPass.

2003: Launch of NFL Audio Pass

In 2003, NFL Audio Pass, initially named NFL Field Pass, was launched in partnership with RealNetworks to provide streaming radio broadcasts of NFL games.

2003: Launch of NFL.com Fantasy Extra and NFL Field Pass

In 2003, ahead of the NFL season, the NFL launched NFL.com Fantasy Extra and NFL Field Pass in partnership with RealNetworks.

2006: NFL Game Pass launch for international markets

In 2006, the NFL launched NFL Game Pass as its streaming service for international markets in cooperation with Yahoo! Sports.

2006: Launch of NFL Game Pass

In 2006, the NFL launched NFL Game Pass as its streaming service for international markets, offering live and on-demand replays of games outside the United States.

2008: Launch of NFL Game Rewind

In 2008, NFL Game Rewind was launched to offer on-demand replays to U.S. customers.

2010: NFL Field Pass Renamed to NFL Audio Pass

In 2010, NFL Field Pass was renamed NFL Audio Pass. That year, the NFL also started live streaming preseason games online.

2015: Merging of NFL Game Rewind with NFL Audio Pass

In 2015, NFL Game Rewind was merged with NFL Audio Pass to form a U.S. version of NFL Game Pass.

2015: NFL Game Rewind merged with NFL Audio Pass

In 2015, the NFL merged NFL Game Rewind with NFL Audio Pass, forming a single service under the NFL Game Pass branding in the United States.

2017: Verizon waives exclusivity for mobile streaming rights.

In 2017, Verizon waived exclusivity for mobile streaming rights to take advantage of its acquisition of Yahoo! as part of a five-year extension agreement.

2018: Verizon waives exclusivity for mobile streaming rights.

In 2018, Verizon waived exclusivity for mobile streaming rights to take advantage of its acquisition of Yahoo! as part of a five-year extension agreement.

May 2022: Teams approve paywall for mobile in-market streams behind "NFL Plus" service

In May 2022, NFL teams approved a proposal to paywall mobile in-market streams behind a new "NFL Plus" service, following the expiration of the NFL's agreement with Verizon.

July 25, 2022: Official announcement of NFL+

On July 25, 2022, NFL+ was officially announced, succeeding the U.S. version of Game Pass, offering in-market streaming on mobile devices, radio broadcasts, preseason games, and library content.

2022: Merging of U.S. Game Pass with mobile streaming rights to form NFL+

In 2022, the U.S. version of Game Pass was merged with the NFL's in-market mobile streaming rights to create NFL+.

2023: DAZN signed a deal to distribute the international version of NFL Game Pass.

In 2023, DAZN signed a ten-year deal to distribute the international version of NFL Game Pass.

2023: NFL Network and NFL RedZone added to NFL+

In 2023, live access of NFL Network and NFL RedZone was added to the basic and premium tiers of NFL+, respectively. DAZN also signed a ten-year agreement to distribute the NFL Game Pass International service.

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2024: DAZN launches NFL Travel Pass

In 2024, DAZN launched NFL Travel Pass, a weekly subscription allowing Americans traveling abroad to stream games, who would otherwise be geo-blocked from accessing NFL+ outside the United States.