CBS boosts All Access video streaming with live NFL games

CBS on Thursday announced a significant coup for its All Access video service, revealing that as of Dec. 4 subscribers will be able to stream the network's NFL games — though smartphone owners will have to turn elsewhere.

All NFL on CBS games will be included, along with pregame and halftime coverage, and some NFL Game Pass material. The company is promising availability in 150 markets, but due to industry deals, the only way of streaming the games on a smartphone — iPhone or otherwise — will be through the NFL Mobile app on Verizon.

All Access viewers will however be able to stream via an iPad or Apple TV, and several other platforms including Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Xbox, and the Web.

Professional sports are often considered a "holy grail" for video streaming services, given their diehard fanbases and the reluctance of networks like ESPN to risk lucrative deals with cable and satellite providers.

All Access offers two plans: a "Limited Commercials" option costing $5.99 per month, and the $9.99 "Commercial Free" tier, which despite its name still laces some shows with ads.

8 Comments

rhinotuff 65 comments · 9 Years

About 7 years ago

sog35 said:

or you could just buy a digital antenna and get it for free

I purchased a digital antenna, hdhome run, and channels app. Total cost was $160.

But now I have free HD Fox, CBS, NBC, PBS, and ABC. With the hdhome run and channels app I can watch these channels WITHOUT an ugly antenna in my living room. Its just an app on my AppleTV.

I can also watch those same channels on my iPad and iPhone. Even can watch on my 120 inch projector

The antenna and hdhomerun is hidden in my office connected to my Apple router.

This way I'm never at the mercy of Apple, Dish, ect who can't seem to get their crap together to give me all the local/broadcast channels.

I unfortunately don't have this option, I live in a river valley that has no tv reception at all. This CBS update makes cord-cutting easier for me. A good portion of the NFL season is being broadcast on CBS, so I should be able to get all my NFL games now.

Billy Jingles 3 comments · 8 Years

About 7 years ago

So.... does this mean I can watch out of market games by selecting the city they are aired in? Or am I stuck with whatever local market I am physically in?

macseeker 541 comments · 8 Years

About 7 years ago

Billy Jingles said:

So.... does this mean I can watch out of market games by selecting the city they are aired in? Or am I stuck with whatever local market I am physically in?

Most likely of the current rules, you'll be stuck with broadcasts from your local CBS affiliate that your iTunes account is registered.

djkfisher 131 comments · 13 Years

About 7 years ago

Yawn, the sport is boring, I have better things to do with my life. Ratings and the number of folks watching will continue to drop. Life is moving on....