The NFL has begun streaming live games on Twitter, but that doesn’t mean it has fully embraced the use of social media to promote the sport through videos and GIFs.
Albert Breer of MMQB.com reported the details of the league’s strict social media policy, as well as the fine amounts for teams that break the rules.
“We’ve obtained a memo that went out to all 32 teams reflecting that, starting Oct. 12, clubs are subject to a new fine schedule for exceeding the limits on video and any moving content,” Breer wrote.
“Those are particularly strict during the 60 minutes leading up to games, and through games, with clubs largely limited to re-posting from the NFL’s own accounts (with some allowance for approved content on Snapchat). The memo says that first-time offenders will be fined up to $25,000, a second offense will warrant a fine of up to $50,000, and a third offense will merit a fine of up to $100,000 and loss of rights to post league-controlled content.”
The NFL isn’t doing itself many favors here. It’s no secret young fans consume a lot of their sports-related media through Twitter, and limiting what teams can share and when they can share it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
Making it tougher to watch highlights probably won’t attract more younger viewers.
The NBA, and to a lesser extent the NHL, has done the best job among North American pro sports leagues of allowing teams and fans to share content on social media without ultra-strict rules.
The NFL seems to think it can do whatever it wants and people will watch. It might find out, eventually, that’s not the case.
Thumbnail photo via Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports Images
