NEW YORK — Verizon is kicking off the 2026 NFL season by offering YouTube's NFL Sunday Ticket at no extra cost to customers who purchase eligible plans, a move that underscores the company's strategy to bundle premium content with connectivity services. Starting July 30 through September 2, new and existing customers can get the NFL Sunday Ticket, on us, saving up to $480, by switching to or activating select mobile and home internet plans.
To qualify, customers must purchase an eligible 5G phone and activate a new smartphone line on an Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plan, or switch an existing line to one of these plans after buying an eligible 5G phone. Alternatively, customers can switch their home internet to Verizon's 100% fiber-optic Fios Home Internet plans, select premium Verizon Home Internet options (including 5G Home Ultimate or Verizon Home Internet Lite Extra), or a premium Frontier Fiber tier (1G, 2G, 5G, or 7G). Existing Verizon Home Internet customers and new and existing Simplicity customers can get a standalone subscription to YouTube's NFL Sunday Ticket for $234, or the NFL Sunday Ticket + NFL RedZone streaming bundle for $276.
Beyond the free NFL Sunday Ticket offer, Verizon is launching Verizon Shine, a new loyalty program that provides customers with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Each week, Verizon customers can enter for a chance to win epic experiences through the My Verizon app. For example, starting the week of August 3, customers can enter to win an all-expenses-paid 5-day trip to see the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints in the first NFL game in Paris. The Verizon Loyalty Program also eliminates activation and upgrade fees and offers Verizon Dollars, where customers earn 3% cash back each month.
This announcement is significant as it not only provides substantial savings on a popular sports package but also introduces a comprehensive loyalty program designed to retain customers in a competitive telecommunications market. By bundling premium content with connectivity, Verizon aims to increase customer engagement and reduce churn. The NFL Sunday Ticket offer, available through verizon.com/nfl-sunday-ticket-on-youtube-streaming or at Verizon stores, is limited to out-of-market Sunday afternoon regular season games and excludes games streamed exclusively on digital platforms. Additional terms and broadcast restrictions apply.
Verizon's strategy aligns with broader industry trends where telecom companies leverage exclusive content to differentiate their services. As streaming continues to reshape how consumers watch sports, partnerships like Verizon's with YouTube TV are becoming critical for attracting and retaining subscribers. The Verizon Shine program further enhances value by offering unique experiences, from Paris trips to daily surprises, fostering brand loyalty. Customers are encouraged to check the My Verizon app for more details and to sign up for Verizon Shine.
