The new deal between the NFL and Verizon should increase connectivity and fan streaming. (USATSI)
A deal between the NFL, led by Roger Goodell, and Verizon should increase connectivity and streaming. (USATSI)

Can you stream me now? That's what the NFL will be asking fans who own Verizon smartphones once the 2014 season rolls around. The league and Verizon reached a new multi-year deal that will include streaming of CBS and FOX market-share games in two seasons.

Previously games on NFL Network, NBC and ESPN were available for streaming, but as part of the new deal between the NFL and Verizon announced on Tuesday, Sunday day games and every single NFL postseason playoff game will be available as well.

"Beginning with the 2014 season, NFL Mobile from Verizon will expand to include access to live CBS and Fox Sunday afternoon games within their home markets, as well as all postseason playoff games, including the Super Bowl," the NFL said in their release.

Additionally, the NFL announced it will launch an updated version of the Verizon mobile app which gives customers access to Thursday, Sunday and Monday Night Football game coverage, NFL Network and NFL RedZone.

The deal was originally reported by Sports Business Journal to be worth $1 billion (yes, with a b) over four years and SBJ includes some additional interesting details.

For one, various TV networks will reportedly retain the right to stream games across tablet and computer platforms. (You may remember CBS Sports' super-sick stream of the Super Bowl this past year.) So phone is very different from mobile in that sense.

SBJ also reported Verizon will "pick up the tab for wiring many of the league's stadiums to provide increased connectivity." Beefed-up in-stadium connections to increase fan experience has been a major talking point for the league in recent years.

Increasing connectivity while also allowing fans to stream more and more NFL content should only serve to make the most popular sport in America, well, more popular. Which is precisely why Verizon was willing to cough up the big bucks.