National Advertising Division Recommends DIRECTV Modify or Discontinue Two Sports Central Claims
New York, NY – November 2, 2023 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by the National Football League (NFL), the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that, for DIRECTV Sports Central, DIRECTV, LLC either:
- Discontinue the “gives you access to every game…” and “With access to every pro football game on DIRECTV, some guests might overstay their welcome” claims, or
- Modify the claims to clearly and conspicuously disclose that additional subscriptions beyond a DIRECTV subscription are required to watch every pro football game.
Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to NAD. The challenged claims appeared in television advertising, a social media video, and on DIRECTV’s website.
DIRECTV now offers its subscribers DIRECTV Sports Central, an integrated interface available through the DIRECTV Gemini device. Using the Sports Central interface, DIRECTV customers can view a directory of sporting events in a single menu, including any live NFL games broadcast on channels that come with a DIRECTV subscription or those which require a third-party subscription.
At issue for NAD was whether the challenged claims convey the unsupported message that DIRECTV customers can watch every pro football game simply by virtue of subscribing to DIRECTV, without the need to purchase an additional streaming package or third-party subscription.
NAD determined that DIRECTV’s advertising is not clear as to what sports programming is and is not available for viewing with the advertised service.
While DIRECTV Sports Central allows DIRECTV customers to more easily access the games that come with their subscriptions, it does not allow them to watch pro football games for which they have not otherwise purchased a subscription.
Although NAD recommended that DIRECTV modify or discontinue the above claims, NAD noted that nothing in its decision precludes DIRECTV from making truthful and non-misleading claims about the benefits of DIRECTV Sports Central.
In its advertiser statement, DIRECTV stated that it “is pleased NAD recognized that the DIRECTV Sports Central experience provides unique value to consumers” and that it “will comply with NAD’s decision.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. Per NAD/NARB procedures, this release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
Subscribe to the Ad Law Insights or Privacy Initiatives newsletters for an exclusive monthly analysis and insider perspectives on the latest trends and case decisions in advertising law and data privacy.
Latest Decisions
NAD Finds Certain Claims for Mott’s Fruit Flavored Snacks Supported or Outside NAD’s Jurisdiction; Recommends General Mills Discontinue or Modify Other Claims
New York, NY – November 25, 2024 – The National Advertising Division recommended that General Mills discontinue or modify certain express and implied claims regarding the fruit and vegetable content of Mott’s Fruit Flavored Snacks and the nutritional benefits of those ingredients.
In National Advertising Division Challenge, Drip Hydration Voluntarily Discontinues Claims for its Ketamine IV Therapy
New York, NY – November 22, 2024 – Following a challenge brought by the National Advertising Division as part of its routine monitoring program, Drip Hydration voluntarily discontinued advertising claims for its Drip Hydration Ketamine IV Therapy.
NAD Finds Patented and Safety Claims for POOPH’s Pet Odor & Stain Eliminator Supported; Recommends Other Claims Be Modified or Discontinued
New York, NY – November 21, 2024 – The National Advertising Division determined that Ikigai supported patented and safety claims for their POOPH Pet Odor & Stain Eliminator, but recommended that other claims, including claims that POOPH eliminates odors and strains, be discontinued.
National Advertising Division Recommends SharkNinja Discontinue Certain Best Deep Carpet Cleaning Claims
New York, NY – November 19, 2024 – BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that SharkNinja discontinue the claim “The Best Deep Carpet Cleaning Among Full-Sized Deep Carpet Cleaners** Based on ASTM F2828 vs. full-sized carpet cleaners above 14 lbs.”