NFL Network will televise 19 games of the new Alliance of American Football, which debuts next weekend with eight teams.
The Alliance, which already has a deal with CBS, is not affiliated with the NFL, but a tie-in with NFL Network could be a major step for the startup. Its first game on NFLN will have the Salt Lake Stallions at the Arizona Hotshots from Tempe, Arizona at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10. The league has its first contests the previous day.
Following The Alliance's opening weekend, NFL Network will air two games per week in prime time on Saturday and Sunday nights.
"NFL Network understands the mission and vision for The Alliance and what we are trying to accomplish," said Charlie Ebersol, co-founder and CEO of the new league that will play a 10-game schedule and finish in late April with a championship game. "This partnership will now keep professional football in its prime-time television spot, allowing fans to continue watching America's most popular sport well into the spring."
The other Alliance teams will play in Memphis, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, San Antonio and Birmingham.
