NFL considers Spanish-language version of RedZone channel

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The NFL is considering creating a Spanish-language version of its RedZone channel, a person with knowledge of the matter said.

Although the plans are still in the early discussion stages, the NFL has become very aggressive in courting Hispanic viewers, which it sees as a valuable part of its fan base.

Launched by the NFL at the start of 2009, RedZone is a companion channel to its NFL Network. It operates only on Sunday afternoons during the football season and offers live coverage of every game whenever a team is on the verge of scoring.

NFL RedZone is particularly popular among those who play in fantasy football leagues. The network offers up-to-the-minute statistics as well as highlights. Most cable operators offer the channel on a specialty tier along with other sports networks. The NFL does not say how many homes the channel is available in, but it is offered by most Multichannel video program distributors.

The NFL, which has a partnership with Spanish-language broadcaster Univision, made a big push to help promote Hispanic Heritage Month this fall, with each NFL team saluting Hispanic culture during a home game.

-- Joe Flint