The NFL is revolutionizing the media industry through streaming.

The NFL is not only the most popular sports league in the U.S., but it is also the most valuable, with the highest-rated programming and the most expensive ad time.

The league reportedly signed $110 billion worth of media deals in 2021, which was nearly double the value of its previous contracts.

The NFL's investment in content will primarily focus on the most valuable platforms, as stated by Brian Rolapp, chief media and business officer for the NFL.

The Super Bowl is the most popular television event in the U.S., with 22 of the 30 most-watched broadcasts being Super Bowl games, according to Nielsen. During the 2023 regular season, an average of nearly 18 million people tuned in to watch football games across TV and digital platforms, the highest since 2015 and the second-highest ever, according to the NFL.

The NFL's decision to move to ESPN in the late 1980s helped boost the popularity of cable TV. Now, its shift towards streaming is causing a ripple effect throughout the media and technology industry.

Robert Kraft, the principal owner of the New England Patriots, stated that media accounts for 60% of the NFL's revenue. He emphasized the importance of staying adaptable to changing times to avoid facing significant challenges.

Despite some backlash from fans, it's evident that streaming is set to become the NFL's next frontier, with tech giants and, NBCUniversal's Peacock, and ESPN and joining forces to acquire digital rights to NFL games, and ESPN and launching a streaming service targeted at sports fans.

Rolapp stated to CNBC that the team will continue to focus on digital strategies, while ensuring that it remains appealing to fans and maximizes the reach of football to as many people as possible.

Learn more about how streaming is changing the NFL by watching the documentary. NBCUniversal owns Peacock and CNBC.