AP, NFL announce extension of exclusive photo licensing deal through 2017 season

The Associated Press and National Football League have announced today they’re extending their commercial photo agreement through the 2017 season.

The agreement continues a tradition dating back to 1967, when AP and its photographers documented the first Super Bowl. Not only did they cover the first Super Bowl, but every one since, including Super Bowl XXX in 1996, where AP was the first news organization to shoot digital-only cameras at the sporting event.

As has been the case for some time, this agreement would also provide the official NFL Shop with photographs, which are sold as prints, available signed and framed.

Both parties seemed excited to extend the licensing agreement. Lloyd Pawlak, AP’s global director of sales and commercial services, said:

‘We are excited to continue our relationship with the NFL as the exclusive commercial provider and official photo store for the League. The NFL’s reach and popularity make it a leader in professional sports and AP is pleased to continue our valuable relationship.’

NFL’s vice president of media strategy and business development, Julie Moeller, said:

'We look forward to continuing to work with the AP to bring fans closer to the game through photos of their favorite moments, teams and players.’

Here’s to the next two seasons of NFL football, every moment of which will be documented by some of the best in the business.