Last month, we told you about the WWE Network, the online streaming service that is bypassing cable and satellite providers and going "Over the Top" directly to consumers. Now the NFL is launching its own OTT service called "NFL Now."

It will allow fans to download a mobile app in which they can customize the news and videos they want from their favorite team. So if you want news about the Cleveland Browns and the upcoming draft, you can do so. If you want to know what the Jets are doing with quarterback Geno Smith, you can select the exact information and how it's delivered. 

The NFL press release explains how it works:

"Users will indicate their favorite team, fantasy players and which videos they like and dislike. The content stream will dynamically personalize each user’s viewing experience to deliver a customizable news, analysis and highlights offering for NFL fans around the world. Additionally, NFL Now will provide users with access to the deepest vault of on-demand NFL video content available anywhere."

Among the content that will be available, original programming specifically produced for NFL Now, highlights (for a fee, of course), plus information directly the teams, NFL Films and the NFL website as well as access to live news conferences and other live events.

Now will we eventually see the NFL Sunday Ticket package on another "Over the Top" service? Perhaps down the line, but this is the first step of the NFL branching out beyond the traditional business models of selling TV rights to networks to distribute their content.

[NFL]

About Ken Fang

Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.

He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.

Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.