NFL RedZone commercials, explained: Why NFL fans are furious over apparent end of 'commercial-free' promise

Bryan Murphy

•
NFL RedZone commercials, explained: Why NFL fans are furious over apparent end of 'commercial-free' promise image

Every Sunday for the last 15 years, football fans tuning into NFL RedZone on the NFL Network have famously been treated to "seven hours of commercial-free football."

That appears to no longer be the case, though. 

Scott Hanson's infamous catchphrase can no longer be applied to the program bringing action from every game on the Sunday afternoon slate. Fans were outraged in Week 15 to find advertisements on their screens while watching the show known for its absence of commercials. 

NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule

Here is everything you need to know on the commercial controversy on NFL RedZone. 

What happened to NFL RedZone?

During Week 15's edition of NFL RedZone, viewers noticed that advertisements began to appear during the broadcast. RedZone is known for not having any commercials while live on air, a big reason why fans pay for the service. 

So it's understandable why consumers were in an uproar when four commercials were seen during the broadcast. Those ads were for Gatorade, Verizon, Visa, and Lowe’s — all partners of the NFL. The commercials ran on a split screen for about 10-15 seconds each. 

Hanson had started the broadcast with his catchphrase of "seven hours of commercial-free football." As a result of the false advertising, the host issued an apology on X, formerly Twitter, detailing his decision. 

"I was conflicted about it beforehand," Hanson explained. "I had a tough decision to make, and I made the wrong decision, and I’m sorry. I try to be the best host I can possibly be. What we have shared together and what we have seen and experienced together for 16 seasons on NFL RedZone is unlike anything else. I love it. I hope to do it for 16 more years. But being a great host means being accurate, being truthful, and having integrity.

"And so I hope you consider accepting this apology. And for those of you who will be joining us on Sunday, get ready. Playoff clinching scenarios, fantasy football playoffs, and some of the best action still to come. You for listening, and I’ll see you Sunday for RedZone football."

MORE NFL DRAFT NEWS:

In Week 16, Hanson began his NFL RedZone broadcast with an alteration to his saying. Instead of including "commercial-free football" he simply said "RedZone football" implying the possibility of commercials. 

Why are commercials in NFL RedZone?

According to Sportico, the ads run during the Week 15 show of NFL RedZone were "tests." However, the source said that the league "does not currently have plans to test the ads again."

Sportico reported that any change to the "commercial-free" show would be considered for the 2025 season, at the earliest. 

It's unclear whether or not ads will be run again in Week 16. If what Sportico reported is true, then viewers should not see any more advertisements for the remainder of the 2024 regular season. With that said, Hanson did begin this Sunday's show with "seven hours of RedZone football," not "seven hours of commercial-free football."

Front Office Sports' Mike McCarthy reported Sunday night that the NFL is "undecided" about whether to include commercials on NFL RedZone in the future: 

When did NFL RedZone start?

NFL RedZone first launched in 2009. It has been hosted by Hanson since its inaugural season 15 years ago. 

Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.