While the NFL isn't generally known for allowing broadcasts outside of its network TV partners, Twitch viewers have occasionally been able to watch NFL games alongside their favorite streamers. TimTheTatman, for example, has had watch parties on his streams multiple times after getting permission to avoid copyright issues. A recent announcement from Twitch suggests the NFL Playoffs games will be even more accessible to viewers.
Twitch announced on Twitter that the NFL Playoffs will be streamed live on their platform. While there have been Thursday Night games streamed on Twitch before, this marks the first time Twitch has the rights to stream these games. With the new format of an extra Wild Card team, the NFL's Super Wild Card Weekend nationally broadcasted six games across Saturday and Sunday, with the Bears vs Saints game airing on Twitch as well as TV yesterday. Twitch has worked with companies for streams like this before, such as when the Nintendo Company streamed Pokemon episodes and a tournament on the platform.
While copyright issues have recently plagued Twitch, these streams are officially recognized and produced by the NFL, so those problems won't be haunting the streams. Copyright claims have made their way up to the highest levels of government, with a US Senator proposing copyright infringement in streams be made a felony. While network TV deals are lucrative for the NFL, streaming games might be the future of the sport, and Playoffs coming to Twitch could be an important first step.
The NFL is no stranger to the gaming community. Whether it's Fortnite skins or NFL players participating in charity streams, the NFL is broadening its reach to more and more viewers. While it is doubtful the NFL will broadcast all of its games on Twitch going forward, the interest in streaming games seems to be there. Viewers will have to wait to see what the future holds.