The NFL said NFL Films is working with Google on a new nine-part series of 360-degree videos depicting "life in and around the NFL."
The new series represents the NFL's first VR production, following a series of experiments last season. It is being acquired using Google' s Jump 360-degree camera system.
The series is set to debut on the NFL channel on YouTube on Thursday, November 24 — Thanksgiving Day. Later in the year, episodes will also be available on an NFL VR app for Google's Daydream mobile VR hardware for the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, which launches for $79 this Thursday, the NFL said. The deal makes sense for Google — exclusive NFL content is exactly the shot in the arm it needs as it launches its new headsets in a market that's getting more crowded all the time.
"Virtual reality … is an exciting new medium to explore as we look to evolve and grow our offerings," said NFL SVP of Digital Media Vishal Shah in a prepared statement. "This partnership with Google is an important step in that direction."
The first episode will cover the Philadelphia Eagles defensive line, including game-day footage gathered on the Eagles bench and sideline. Future episodes will cover the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, Green Bay, WI, football culture and the San Diego Chargers, the NFL said.
The NFL said clips on its official YouTube channel, launched last year, have earned over a billion views.
