• by Wayne Friedman , October 1, 2014

One of DirecTV's biggest profitable assets, the “NFL Sunday Ticket” package of games, will return to the satellite TV service for the next eight years -- a deal that will continue AT&T’s efforts in taking over the satellite TV service.

Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed. But reports say DirecTV paid a sizeable increase for the package (to start next season) now valued around $12 billion for eight years worth of games -- $1.5 billion a year. The previous 4-year deal was valued at around $1.0 billion a year.

DirecTV, which has had the package for the last two decades, allows its subscribers to access out-of-market NFL games –- all Sunday NFL afternoon contests.

The package typically costs DirecTV customers around $300 for the season. DirecTV had also offered a free year's subscription to "Sunday Ticket" as part of a two-year coverage agreement for new customers.

The NFL pact is an even more important concern to AT&T’s proposed $48.5 billion deal to buy DirecTV. Reports say AT&T had an “out” clause should DirecTV not complete its renewal with the NFL.

Mike White, chairman, president and chief executive officer of DirecTV, stated: “This new agreement is a testament to the terrific long-term relationship we have with the NFL and its millions of fans across the country.”

Under the new agreement DirecTV’s gets the rights to stream "Sunday Ticket" live on mobile devices and broadband, under “NFL Sunday Ticket Max.” Also DirecTV subscribers will have access to TV Everywhere to the NFL Network; DirecTV will also run the NFL’s “Red Zone Channel” and the new “DirecTV Fantasy Channel,” which began this year.