• by Alex Weprin , September 4, 2018

CBS will stream next year’s Super Bowl without requiring users to verify they are pay-TV subscribers, the nework says.

While most NFL games require a user to “authenticate” they pay for TV through a cable or satellite company, the broadcast networks that carry the Super Bowl have allowed users to stream the game for free in recent years. They hope to maximize their viewership and bragging rights.

In the case of CBS, the game will be available for free on CBSSports.com, and the CBS Sports apps on connected TV devices. In addition, the game will be streamable through CBS’ apps on mobile phones for the first time this year, thanks to Verizon’s revised deal with the league.

CBS will also stream the Super Bowl through its CBS All Access streaming service, while the NFL will stream it on its own website and apps.

It isn’t yet clear whether the streams of the game will include the same ad load as the TV broadcast, or whether they will have different ads.

The Super Bowl streaming plans will punctuate an NFL season that has more options for streaming than any previous season. Verizon’s new NFL deal gives it the right to stream certain games through its Oath subsidiary, while Amazon will once again stream “Thursday Night Football” games for free.

TV rights-holders can offer their games through authenticated TV platforms and on mobile devices for the first time.