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Would You Watch NFL Games Streamed On YouTube?

If Google inks a deal with the NFL to broadcast football games on YouTube, it will become the most profound video deal in history. Here's why.

Another rumor from All Things Digital cites anonymous sources suggesting that a Google content exec and NFL chief met Tuesday to discuss the possibility of streaming games on YouTube. With the DirectTV deal expiring in 2014, Google would have the opportunity to bid for the NFL's Sunday Ticket package. CNBC reports that the NFL content agreement grants fans a season pass to view their favorite teams for which the broadcaster reportedly pays $1 billion a year to run.

Some $1 billion for the rights to run the games isn't a big-ticket item when considering the amount of fans who would view the game and the technology that Google would put behind the deal. It also would pay off in big dividends -- hardware sales -- in Android-related devices and license agreements, not to mention online advertising.

Forbes reports that DirecTV paid $130 million annually in 1998 and presently pays $1 billion today. And if Google were to purchase the package deal, it wouldn't mean DirecTV would exit. Both companies could own the Sunday Ticket, according to Mike Ozanian.

Content continues to become one of the most important pieces to a campaign, including search. Ozanian notes "the NFL is the first choice of any technology company looking for content to get consumers to buy its devices whether it be Google, Apple, or NetFlix." He points to the Verizon deal, where the company will pay the NFL league $1 billion during the next four years, beginning in 2014, to show football games on wireless devices.

Technology will play a major role. YouTube has streamed several major events in recent years. One more recent event -- a live stream of the Kings of Leon concert from London. Google used a new 360 degree camera that allowed viewers to control every angle of the show while it happens. Imagine that for NFL games.

Yes, the Google-NFL deal remains a rumor for now, but diehard fans like my late husband -- who knew the plays before they happened, and insisted on having every television on in the house as to not miss a single play during the games  -- would probably stand up, cheer, and do a little dance on news of a deal between Google and NFL.

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