Facebook To Get NFL Highlights Package, Sponsored By Verizon

Facebook and NFL Team Up

FACEBOOK has nabbed the rights to show NFL highlights, with ads from VERIZON WIRELESS, in the latest sign the online monolith is aiming for YOUTUBE, according to multiple reports, including the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The league will begin posting short video clips next TUESDAY (12/30) on the social media site, including game highlights throughout the playoffs, as well as league news and fantasy football tips.

The clips will be immediately followed by ads from VERIZON WIRELESS, which will pay to promote them within NFL fans’ FACEBOOK news feeds. FACEBOOK and the NFL will divvy up the revenue, though the specific financial terms weren’t revealed. FACEBOOK also plans to eventually bring in other sponsors.

FACEBOOK is looking to expand its reach into online video as it looks to generate more advertising income. 

“This is a small video sponsorship test, and we will be evaluating how people, publishers, and marketers respond to this kind of co-branded video content on FACEBOOK,”  a FACEBOOK spokeswoman said.

FACEBOOK has been aggressive courting YOUTUBE creators to bypass that site and upload their clips directly, as it's trying to illustrate how creators can earn the kind of money they're now making on YOUTUBE.  FACEBOOK will also not be running the usual "pre-roll" video ads; each clip will run above a clickable "presented by VERIZON" message, followed by an ad, with plans to explore other means of advertising beyond the "post roll" approach.

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