ESPN Expands NFL Coverage with Preseason Games, and YouTube Adds 'Deestroying'

ESPN is making strategic moves to bolster its NFL programming. The decision to stream five out-of-market preseason games on the ESPN App, available to ESPN Unlimited subscribers, addresses the growing demand for accessible NFL content. These games, Ravens-Commanders, Colts-Bengals, Texans-Lions, Bills-Buccaneers, and Chargers-49ers, will be simulcasts of local over-the-air coverage, subject to local blackouts.

Shifting the Texans-Seahawks 'Monday Night Football' game from ESPN+ to ESPN signals a shift in focus towards the main network. This move ensures a broader audience can access the game, capitalizing on the established 'Monday Night Football' viewership.

YouTube's inclusion of 'Deestroying' in its broadcast team for the Chiefs-Chargers game in Brazil highlights the increasing convergence of sports and online content creation. De La Haye's significant YouTube following provides a direct line to a demographic that may not traditionally engage with NFL broadcasts. Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, Kay Adams, Brandon Marshall, Cam Newton, Tyrann Mathieu and Derek Carr are also part of the broadcast team.

Phil Simms' return to NBC for college football games on Peacock adds a veteran analyst to their roster. Simms, known for his long tenure with CBS, brings a wealth of experience to the network's college football coverage. The three games will be Big Ten matchups. Chase Daniel has also been hired by ESPN as a college football analyst, working alongside Clay Matvick.

The games will be available on the ESPN App to fans subscribed directly to the ESPN Unlimited plan or through select pay TV providers.

Yes, the preseason games are subject to local and other geographic blackouts.

'Deestroying' (Donald De La Haye) is a former UCF and UFL kicker and popular content creator. He will serve as a sideline reporter for YouTube's exclusive Week 1 NFL game from Brazil.

Fans can now access more NFL games through ESPN's streaming service, expanding viewing options. The shift of the Texans-Seahawks game to ESPN ensures wider viewership on the flagship network. YouTube's addition of 'Deestroying' signals a move towards incorporating digital content creators into sports broadcasts to attract younger audiences. Phil Simms returns to NBC, enhancing their college football coverage with his experience.

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