- NFL Network to air over 30 AFL and select OT7 games this spring.
- AFL and OT7 collaboration aims to develop talent and enhance football’s appeal.
- Fans can stream games on NFL+ and various NFL platforms.
NFL Network Announces Strategic Partnerships for Spring Football
In a move to quench the football community’s thirst for spring gridiron action, the NFL today announced its partnerships with the Arena Football League (AFL) and Overtime’s OT7 league.
Beginning in April, NFL Network is set to broadcast over 30 regular season AFL games alongside select matchups from OT7, including the championship weekend. This collaboration not only promises to deliver high-energy football games to fans but also offers a platform for players, coaches, and officials to hone their skills and gain visibility.
A New Era of Football Entertainment
David Jurenka, Senior Vice President at NFL Media, expressed enthusiasm about bringing more live football to NFL Network, highlighting the unparalleled excitement live games offer to fans. The inclusion of AFL and OT7 games in NFL Network’s spring lineup aims to cater to the growing demand for football content beyond the traditional fall season. Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, emphasized the developmental opportunities these leagues provide within the broader football ecosystem.
“The Arena Football League and Overtime’s OT7 provide yet another opportunity for coaches, players and officials to develop their skills and showcase their talent to the growing football fanbase,” said Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL executive vice president of football operations. “This expanded coverage further underscores the many avenues available in the sport of football.”
AFL and OT7: Showcasing Emerging Talent
Both the AFL and OT7 league commissioners lauded the NFL’s commitment to spring football, recognizing the importance of this partnership in promoting the sport’s diverse forms. AFL Commissioner Lee A. Hutton, III, and OT7 Chief Content Officer Marc Kohn, expressed gratitude towards NFL Network for their support, underlining the significance of this exposure for their leagues. The broadcast agreement is seen as a milestone for both leagues, underscoring the NFL’s role in fostering the sport’s growth and appeal.
“Football in its eclectic form for gridiron enthusiasts has gained popularity, and the NFL’s support and desire to bring fans exciting content as it evolves is encouraging to maintain the appeal for the sport in general,” said Lee A. Hutton, III, AFL commissioner. “We are thrilled to have NFL Network as a partner and extend thanks to them for their ongoing commitment to spring football. We truly live in exciting times.”
Comprehensive Coverage for Football Fans
The AFL season kicks off on NFL Network with the Albany Firebirds hosting the Orlando Predators on April 27, immediately following the network’s coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, OT7’s action-packed season begins on April 6, featuring elite high school talent in a fast-paced league format.
Fans looking to catch every play can stream the broadcasts on NFL+, ensuring access to these games across NFL digital properties and through NFL Network distributors’ platforms.
2024 Arena Football League NFL Network Broadcast Schedule:
- Saturday, April 27 – Orlando Predators at Albany Firebirds, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, April 28 – Georgia Force at West Texas Desert Hawks, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, April 28 – Southwest Kansas Storm at Salina Liberty, 6 p.m. ET
- Thursday, May 2 – Nashville Kats at Albany Firebirds, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 5 – West Texas Desert Hawks at Orlando Predators, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 5 – Philadelphia Soul at Minnesota Myth, 6 p.m. ET
- Thursday, May 9 – Orlando Predators at Louisiana Voodoo, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 12 – Philadelphia Soul at Nashville Kats, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 12 – West Texas Desert Hawks at Washington Wolfpack, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Thursday, May 16 – Orlando Predators at West Texas Desert Hawks, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 19 – Philadelphia Soul at Albany Firebirds, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 19 – Salina Liberty at Iowa Rampage, 3 p.m. ET
- Thursday, May 23 – Oregon Blackbears at Washington Wolfpack, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 26 – Nashville Kats at Orlando Predators, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 26 – Philadelphia Soul at Georgia Force, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Thursday, May 30 – Washington Wolfpack at Minnesota Myth, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 2 – Louisiana Voodoo at Georgia Force, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 2 – Albany Firebirds at Nashville Kats, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Thursday, June 6 – Nashville Kats at Minnesota Myth, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 9 – Philadelphia Soul at Wichita Regulators, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 9 – Washington Wolfpack at Southwest Kansas Storm, 6 p.m. ET
- Thursday, June 13 – Louisiana Voodoo at Orlando Predators, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 16 – Oregon Blackbears at Nashville Kats, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 16 – Georgia Force at West Texas Desert Hawks, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Thursday, June 20 – Albany Firebirds at Billings Outlaws, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 23 – Nashville Kats at Philadelphia Soul, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 23 – Salina Liberty at Louisiana Voodoo, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Thursday, June 27 – Iowa Rampage at Orlando Predators, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 30 – Albany Firebirds at Georgia Force, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 30 – Minnesota Myth at Philadelphia Soul, 3:30 p.m. ET
2024 OT7 NFL Network Broadcast Schedule:
- Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 – Dallas College-Brookhaven Campus, 4 p.m. ET
- Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 – Dallas College-Brookhaven Campus, 4 p.m. ET
- Sunday, April 28 – Orlando, Austin Tindall Sports Complex, 4 p.m. ET
- Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 – Orlando, Austin Tindall Sports Complex, 4 p.m. ET
- Thursday, June 6 – Sunday, June 9 – Championship Weekend: Tampa, Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay
