NFL Sunday Ticket not available on PlayStation 3 this year

PlayStation 3 owners won't be able to purchase DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket — the channel that lets football fans watch Sunday games outside their local market — for the console's app this year, according to a report from IGN.

While no official reason was given, the lack of NFL Sunday Ticket on PS3 may be a product of Microsoft's arrangement with the National Football League. The company announced a multi-year partnership with the NFL at its Xbox One unveiling in May. As part of the deal reportedly worth $400 million over five years, the NFL will provide "exclusive content" through SmartGlass and Kinect for Xbox One owners and fantasy football integration for the console.

A subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket for PS3 was first made available in 2011 for $339.95. The following year, the offer's price dropped to $299.95. Access to the service didn't require a DirecTV subscription.

Later this month, EA Sports will release an Amazon-exclusive "Anniversary Edition" of Madden NFL 25 that includes a full-season free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 releases of Madden NFL 25 Anniversary Edition will retail for $99.99.