Google and NFL hold meetings, raise speculation about sale of Sunday Ticket package

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FILE - In this Nov. 20, 2011, file photo, an NFL logo is displayed on the Ford Field turf before an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Carolina Panthers in Detroit. Google has been holding talks with the National Football League, raising speculation that the internet monolith is seeking new inroads into television. With Google sitting on a cash pile of 8 billion, the league\'s Sunday Ticket package is easily within its budget. The contract is currently held by DirecTV, but it expires at the end of the 2014 season. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

PORTLAND, Ore. – Google has been holding talks with the National Football League, raising speculation that the internet monolith is seeking new inroads into television.

Other tech companies like Apple are reportedly in talks with cable companies to boost access to television through their devices.

With Google sitting on a cash pile of $48 billion, the league’s Sunday Ticket package is easily within its budget.

The contract is currently held by DirecTV, which pays about $1 billion annually for the rights. That contract, however, expires at the end of the 2014 season.

The NFL confirmed its meetings with Google Wednesday, but declined to discuss the nature of those talks, as did Google.

The Sunday Ticket Package provides fans with access to most NFL games, with blackouts for those shown on NBC or ESPN.

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