Greedball: Fans seeing red over big NFL change as new season kicks off

ESPN is feeling major heat for “ruining our Sundays.”

“NFL RedZone”, a seven-hour show that prides itself on being commercial-free, angered fans by announcing it will be adding advertisements for the 2025 season.

“RedZone” reportedly tested ads last season but dropped them after viewer complaints. The backlash wasn’t enough to stop the show from announcing the permanent return of commercials, host Scott Hanson sheepishly confirmed on Wednesday.

“The business folks handle the business, and I have no say over different elements that could or could not be in the show,” Hanson said, adding that its football coverage would not be “sacrificed” for the “business” side of the show.

“When you see me come on the air, we’re gonna hit the Octobox, we’ve got eight games in the early window, taking you around to all the different cities,” he said.

“And then when we get into it, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s been more than 250 days since the first full NFL Sunday, but we are back! And seven hours of ‘RedZone’ football starts now.’”

Scott Hanson confirms NFL RedZone will have commercials in some capacity this season — which is something he has no control over.

The intro will be: “7 hours of RedZone Football start now.”

(via @PatMcAfeeShow)pic.twitter.com/qJHM8RmPb9

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 3, 2025

“NFL RedZone” is already a paid subscription, boosting the anger and frustration over the announcement that was palpable on X:

Ridiculous that we pay a premium for this product – and the same price as before – and they add commercials. Way to fire your customers.

— CB (@CB100000000) September 3, 2025

@ScottHanson just confirmed that I won’t be paying for redzone this year.

— Pat (@CFB_Pat) September 3, 2025

I will actively boycott any company that pays to run their ad on Redzone. If you love ball, you will advertise elsewhere…

— Phin Diesel (@Phin_Diesel_) September 3, 2025

The New OctoBox pic.twitter.com/6i6VW37zJ9

— CornDoggyLOL (@CornDoggyLOL) September 3, 2025

Adding commercials to NFL RedZone, even if limited, could disrupt its fast-paced, ad-free charm that fans love, potentially alienating loyal viewers.

— _Pakachi (@0xPakachi) September 3, 2025

That’s one way of putting it.

@NFL pic.twitter.com/yM5u64DmUi

— Salty Buccaneer‍ (@SaltyBuc91) September 3, 2025

And that’s another.

If you have an ounce of integrity in your body you will boycott NFL Redzone right now. Do not reward them for this bullshit.

Unsubscribe and pirate it until they get it through their heads: No Commercials Means No Commercials #FuckESPN pic.twitter.com/rUcDacQgFR

— Ohio State Got What It Deserved (@CFBDeepDive) September 3, 2025

NFL RedZone this year: pic.twitter.com/P7wo5WTo5J

— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) September 3, 2025

Everyone go CANCEL YOUR REDZONE

This is ridiculous. We’re boycotting these new additions and commercials.

Stop ruining our Sundays. Please & Thx. #NFL #RedZone #ESPN pic.twitter.com/ouzL0NgLkK

— Riggs Tamburo (@RiggsSportsTalk) September 3, 2025

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