The NFL’s popular RedZone broadcast is back for its 18th season, kicking off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. While the program has long been celebrated for its commercial‑free, seven‑hour sweep of live game action, fans will now see a limited number of short advertisements.
What the ads will look like
Host Scott Hanson told OutKick that the league plans to insert “stand‑alone, 15‑second commercials only in between plays.” He explained that a typical break might occur after a Dallas Cowboys drive, when the team lines up for a first‑down play. At that moment, a brief ad will be spliced in before the next live action resumes.
Last season, RedZone aired 16 advertisements of some kind, a notable increase from the era when the show ran entirely without commercials. Hanson emphasized that the number of ads at the start of the 2026 season will actually be lower than last year, though he cautioned that the final count will be determined by the NFL’s business team, not by him.
Fans’ reactions and historical notes
RedZone has long been a staple for football fans who want to watch every scoring opportunity across the league. Hanson noted that the program has even been viewed from the White House during the past two administrations, underscoring its broad appeal across the political spectrum.
Star players have also voiced their support. Former quarterback Tom Brady has praised RedZone as a go‑to way to stay connected to the league, whether during a Monday Night Football matchup or a bye week. Current quarterback Josh Allen, a leading face of the NFL today, says he enjoys watching RedZone on his days off.
Beyond the broadcast: Hanson’s adventures
In addition to his role on RedZone, Hanson is back with Lowe’s for the second year of the “Earn Your Sunday” campaign, appearing alongside Dak Prescott, Christian McCaffrey and Justin Jefferson. He’s also known for his globe‑trotting exploits, having visited six of the seven continents and planning a future trip to Antarctica.
Hanson’s travel stories include cage‑diving with great white sharks, standing near lions on the Serengeti plain, and touring the Great Wall of China. When asked whether he prefers running with the bulls in Pamplona or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, he answered, “Kilimanjaro was more beautiful, but running with the bulls required more courage.” He also shared that he prefers Mexican cuisine over Chinese dishes, citing a memorable experience with duck tongue in China.
What to expect
RedZone will run for seven continuous hours, beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Viewers can look forward to the familiar fast‑paced coverage that jumps from one live game to another, now punctuated by a handful of brief commercial spots. The NFL says the limited ad format is designed to preserve the viewer experience while providing sponsors a concise window to reach a dedicated audience.
As the season unfolds, fans will see whether the ad count remains low or rises later in the year, a decision that rests with the league’s business officials.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
