NFL RedZone Host Scott Hanson Confirms Commercials in Broadcasts

Every Sunday for several years, host Scott Hanson greeted "NFL RedZone" viewers with the catchphrase: "Seven hours of commercial-free football starts now!" However, Hanson announced on the "Pat McAfee Show" that the upcoming broadcast will include commercials in a new format.

Starting this Sunday, RedZone will feature a limited number of ads displayed in a "double-box" format, with one box showing the ad and the other showing a game, while the audio will be the ad. This change comes after experimenting with commercials last season, which led to viewer complaints directed at Hanson.

Hanson clarified that he has no control over the show's content decisions, as the business aspects are managed by others. The NFL and ESPN recently struck a deal that will bring the league's media outlets, including the NFL Network, under the ESPN banner. However, ESPN will not influence RedZone's production or programming decisions.

The NFL spokesperson stated that the decision to include commercials in RedZone has been under consideration for over a year and is unrelated to the ESPN deal. The league aims to strike a balance that supports both the show's partners and fans. The NFL will retain ownership of NFL RedZone even if the ESPN deal is finalized.

The NFL's focus on revenue growth is evident, with a target of reaching $25 billion in revenue by 2027. Last year, the league's 32 teams generated an estimated $22.2 billion, showing an 8% increase from 2023. The move to introduce commercials in RedZone aligns with the league's strategy to explore new revenue streams.

While fans may initially resist the change, history suggests that they will eventually adapt. Similar to NASCAR's use of "double boxes" for ads during races, the NFL is evolving to generate more revenue. The shift in RedZone's format reflects the league's commitment to financial growth.