For over a decade, NFL RedZone has been the holy grail for football fans who love nonstop, commercial-free action. But this season, viewers are in for a surprise: the iconic show is introducing commercials.
Scott Hanson, the show’s longtime host, revealed the news ahead of the new NFL season, leaving fans buzzing — and some not thrilled.
Scott Hanson Breaks the News
Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show just one day before kickoff, Hanson tweaked his signature catchphrase.
Gone was the familiar “commercial-free football” line as he kicked off the seven-hour marathon.
“Seven hours of RedZone starts now,” he said, noting that business decisions about the show were out of his hands.
“The business folks handle the business, and I have no say over different elements that could or could not be in the show,” Hanson explained.
But he reassured viewers that the new ads would not interfere with key football moments.
“We’re not going to sacrifice any great football. We will not miss a touchdown,” he promised.
How the Commercials Will Work
According to Sports Business Journal’s Austin Karp, the commercials will appear in a double-box format: one box showing the ad while the other continues to display RedZone action.
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand added that this change isn’t driven by ESPN — even after the network finalizes its deal to acquire NFL Network and RedZone rights — and that production of the show will remain with the NFL.
Fans React With Shock and Frustration
The response on social media was swift and passionate.
“The NFL is such a money grab they ruin every good thing,” one fan wrote on X. Another declared, “It’s dead.
The greatest television offering in the history of sports is dead. Corporate greed has ruined RedZone.” A third lamented, “The end of an era.
One of the saddest days in human history.” Clearly, the announcement struck a nerve with devoted viewers.
The Bigger Picture
The change comes after the NFL and ESPN reached a proposed deal granting the league a 10 percent equity stake in the network, while ESPN acquires linear rights to RedZone and NFL Network.
Even with commercials, RedZone will still deliver nonstop football action for viewers this Sunday, featuring an exciting schedule with eight early games and four late games.
Weekend Matchups to Watch
Hanson will call some of the weekend’s most anticipated matchups, including Aaron Rodgers’ debut with the Jets against the Steelers, the Giants traveling to face the Commanders, and the Lions taking on the Packers later in the day.
For fans who love constant updates and touchdown alerts, RedZone’s new format promises all the action — just with a few commercial breaks along the way.