We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience.
This includes personalizing content and advertising.
By pressing "Accept All" or closing out of this banner, you consent to the use of all cookies and similar technologies and the sharing of information they collect with third parties.
You can reject marketing cookies by pressing "Deny Optional," but we still use essential, performance, and functional cookies.
In addition, whether you "Accept All," Deny Optional," click the X or otherwise continue to use the site, you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, revised from time to time.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
Can Verizon's 5G Expansion in the 2026 NFL Season Drive Future Growth?
Read MoreHide Full Article
Key Takeaways
Verizon is strengthening its NFL partnership with 5G upgrades and private wireless solutions across stadiums.
VZ's private network supports secure coach communications and real-time game information for NFL officials.
VZ is expanding international coverage and boosting stadium capacity to meet rising fan demand.
Verizon Communications, Inc. (VZ - Free Report) is strengthening its technology presence in professional sports through its long-standing partnership with the National Football League (NFL), advancing its network technology and digital solutions to improve stadium operations and fan connectivity during the 2026 season.
Verizon is enhancing its private wireless network to support secure communication between NFL coaches and provide game officials with reliable connectivity. NFL officials use connected watches to receive real-time game information, including game clock updates, first-down measurements and punt out-of-bounds locations. The company is also expanding network coverage to nine international games across eight overseas venues, while improving stadium connectivity to meet rising fan data demand.
The company has deployed advanced 5G C-band, millimeter-wave (mmWave) Distributed Radio Access Network and Distributed Antenna System technologies across major NFL stadiums. At Highmark Stadium, Verizon has enhanced wireless coverage, parking lot connectivity and high-speed Wi-Fi, while Caesars Superdome has received 509 mmWave radios and 155 C-band radios to increase network capacity during major events.
These investments support Verizon's broader strategy of expanding its 5G capabilities and private wireless solutions. By bringing advanced network technology to large-scale sporting events, the company is positioning itself to benefit from growing demand for high-capacity connectivity and next-generation digital experiences.
How Are Competitors Advancing in Technology Upgrades?
Verizon faces competition from AT&T Inc. (T - Free Report) and T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS - Free Report) . AT&T has been investing in its network infrastructure to improve connectivity and meet growing demand for 5G and fiber services. The company signed a multi-year agreement with Corning worth more than $3 billion to secure fiber and cable for network expansion and acquired additional spectrum from EchoStar to strengthen its 5G capacity. AT&T is also working with T-Mobile and Verizon on a joint venture aimed at reducing wireless dead zones across the United States.
T-Mobile has been upgrading its 5G network by introducing AI-powered automation to improve network performance and reliability. The company is expanding its AutoPilot and Dynamic CX technologies to help the network respond faster to changing conditions and manage traffic more efficiently. T-Mobile is investing in backup power and network infrastructure to maintain connectivity during outages and periods of high demand.
VZ’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Verizon’s shares have gained 16.3% over the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 114%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, Verizon trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 8.75, significantly below the industry average of 24.18.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Earnings estimates for 2026 have increased 0.8% to $5.07 over the past 60 days, while the same for 2027 have risen 0.76% to $5.32.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Bigstock
Can Verizon's 5G Expansion in the 2026 NFL Season Drive Future Growth?
Key Takeaways
Verizon Communications, Inc. (VZ - Free Report) is strengthening its technology presence in professional sports through its long-standing partnership with the National Football League (NFL), advancing its network technology and digital solutions to improve stadium operations and fan connectivity during the 2026 season.
Verizon is enhancing its private wireless network to support secure communication between NFL coaches and provide game officials with reliable connectivity. NFL officials use connected watches to receive real-time game information, including game clock updates, first-down measurements and punt out-of-bounds locations. The company is also expanding network coverage to nine international games across eight overseas venues, while improving stadium connectivity to meet rising fan data demand.
The company has deployed advanced 5G C-band, millimeter-wave (mmWave) Distributed Radio Access Network and Distributed Antenna System technologies across major NFL stadiums. At Highmark Stadium, Verizon has enhanced wireless coverage, parking lot connectivity and high-speed Wi-Fi, while Caesars Superdome has received 509 mmWave radios and 155 C-band radios to increase network capacity during major events.
These investments support Verizon's broader strategy of expanding its 5G capabilities and private wireless solutions. By bringing advanced network technology to large-scale sporting events, the company is positioning itself to benefit from growing demand for high-capacity connectivity and next-generation digital experiences.
How Are Competitors Advancing in Technology Upgrades?
Verizon faces competition from AT&T Inc. (T - Free Report) and T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS - Free Report) . AT&T has been investing in its network infrastructure to improve connectivity and meet growing demand for 5G and fiber services. The company signed a multi-year agreement with Corning worth more than $3 billion to secure fiber and cable for network expansion and acquired additional spectrum from EchoStar to strengthen its 5G capacity. AT&T is also working with T-Mobile and Verizon on a joint venture aimed at reducing wireless dead zones across the United States.
T-Mobile has been upgrading its 5G network by introducing AI-powered automation to improve network performance and reliability. The company is expanding its AutoPilot and Dynamic CX technologies to help the network respond faster to changing conditions and manage traffic more efficiently. T-Mobile is investing in backup power and network infrastructure to maintain connectivity during outages and periods of high demand.
VZ’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Verizon’s shares have gained 16.3% over the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 114%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, Verizon trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 8.75, significantly below the industry average of 24.18.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Earnings estimates for 2026 have increased 0.8% to $5.07 over the past 60 days, while the same for 2027 have risen 0.76% to $5.32.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Verizon stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.