$49 Billion DirecTV/AT&T Merger Reportedly Hinges on NFL Sunday Ticket Renewal

NFL Sunday Ticket is the biggest differentiable reason to subscribe to DirecTV. As such, if that contract is not renewed on terms that are largely expected, that could reportedly be a dealbreaker in the $49 billion merger between the satellite television company and AT&T.

DirecTV AT&T hinges on renewing #SundayTicket - puts NFL in a pretty powerful position cc: @davidfaber @darrenrovell pic.twitter.com/BJJTnQet9D
— Rich Greenfield, LightShed (@RichLightShed) May 19, 2014

It would seem to be overly optimistic that DirecTV would continue to grow and sustain their subscribers on the basis of Sunday Ticket when it’s also available on streaming devices that are easily connected to TVs, but then again it would also appear as though that reality hasn’t yet caused an erosion in business. Nevertheless, NFL owners are known for their steadfast commitment to maximizing their money, and will presumably exploit this contract contingent for every last dollar they can get.