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NFL live streams banned: Here's why Reddit banned subreddit NFLStreams

In case you are wondering why Reddit was forced to shut down NFLStreams, here's a look at their policy change and the new ways to stream the games

NFL fans are disheartened as a go-to destination for sports buffs — NFLStreams subreddit on Reddit — that featured links to streams of every NFL game along with RedZone from both NFL Network and DIRECTV has been banned. If you still try to enter the subreddit in the browser, it flashes a message that reads: "r/nflstreams has been banned from Reddit. This subreddit has been banned for violations of Reddit’s Copyright Repeat Infringement Policy."

Although it came as a surprise to many football fans, it isn't the first time a subreddit has been blocked. Earlier, Reddit cracked down and put a stop to other sports streaming subreddits like /r/NBAStreams and /r/SoccerStreams. As per a Yahoo! report, the company declined a public statement when NBAStreams was shut down. However, they directed to the 2019 Transparency Report that highlights how the company has been working towards copyright removals.

"In 2019, Reddit received 34,989 copyright notices, which resulted in 170,684 pieces of content being reviewed, and 124,257 content removals. In 2018, Reddit received 9,534 copyright notices, which resulted in 26,234 content removals. In 2017, Reddit received 3,130 copyright notices, which resulted in 4,352 content removals. The content Reddit removed for copyright infringement in 2019 amounted to around a 500% increase from the 26,234 pieces of content removed in 2018, and increased by over 2000% from the 4,352 pieces of content removed in 2017," the report reads.

So, in case you are wondering why Reddit was forced to shut down NFLStreams, here's a look at their policy change. "Our policy is to close the accounts of users, in appropriate circumstances, who have repeatedly been charged with copyright infringement. Sometimes a repeat infringement problem is limited to one user and we close just that user’s account. Other times, the problem pervades a whole subreddit community and we close the subreddit."

Now, as the news hit fans' ears, they've been crying out their hearts and wondering how they will watch it. "So, now that r/nflstreams Isn’t a thing, what are you guys using to stream games?" one fan said and another wrote, "r/nflstreams banned? The commies have really gone too far this time."

One sad fan wondered, "Is there a service that streams 49er games? My area only showing saints-bucs. I don’t have direct tv anymore and AT&T tv doesn’t offer Sunday ticket." Another said, "On no! The NFLStreams subreddit was banned! Send so I can get NFL Sunday Ticket to watch my Bills Games!!"

One joked: "Legit asking for a friend; since R/NFLStreams is non-active where’s the next best place to go?" Another said, "Anyone know where I can live stream NFL games? NFLStreams on Reddit appears to have been shut down." One said, "They took down nfl reddit streams this is an emergency situation." Another posted, "Oof. Just found out NFL Reddit Streams is no more. F**k."

The big question remains: Where can you stream NFL games now that the subreddit is not available any longer? Well, here's the answer. Apart from the official NFL app, several other streamers such as — FuboTV, AT&T TV Now, Sling TV, CBS All Acess and YouTube TV — may air the games and if you don't want to pay, why don't you try their free trial for a few days?

Here's the breakdown of each streamer: 

Sling TV: Get a seven-day free trial, and it is priced at $20 a month.
YouTube TV: You can avail a five-day free trial and a monthly plan will cost you $49.99.
Fubo TV: Get a seven-day free trial and it costs $44.99 a month.
AT&T TV Now: A seven-day free trial is available and it is priced at $55 a month.
CBS All Access: You can get a free trial and it costs just $5.99/month.

However, it's not clear whether they will get access or not. 

One fan even posted a query to Hulu Plus TV. "How about NFL Redzone....my goodness it is 2020 and you do not have Redzone??? #Hulu pick it up with sports, especially during these times. Please tell me I am wrong and you have Redzone now," one said and Hulu Support replied back: "Sorry for any disappointment! We don't have the rights to stream NFL Redzone live at this time, but we'll certainly pass along your interest to the proper parties. We appreciate your input!"

One fan posted: "How do I listen to this season’s @nfl games, @westwood1sports?? It seems as though you’re no longer on @tunein. Later, Westwood One Sports clarified: "Local stations aren't allowed to stream our broadcasts. You'd have to listen the old fashioned way. There are other subscription options like NFL Game Pass or SiriusXM, but they are more expensive than TuneIn was. Sorry we don't have better news yet."