Google Snaps Up NFL's Telecom Hardware Sponsor in $12.5 Billion Acquisition

Motorola, the NFL's exclusive telecommunications hardware sponsor, has been purchased by Google in a $12.5 billion deal announced this morning. Motorola, which has increasingly struggled to compete with new smartphones, like the iPhone, in recent years is in the fifth and final year of what is believed to be a $250M sponsorship with the NFL. The deal has made Motorola headsets a staple on NFL sidelines.

Google writes in today's announcement:

"The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing."

Of course, there's the ongoing patent war, as well.

Needless to say, this is one renewal discussion that just got a little more interesting. Google in its 15 years of existence has typically chosen science fairs over sports when it comes to sponsorship, but their aggressive move into the consumer hardware space might have an impact on this philosophy. Motorola and Google partner, Verizon, last year signed a four-year, $720 million deal to replace Sprint as the NFL's exclusive wireless service sponsor. After this upcoming season, it will be Googorola's turn to negotiate.

Read more about the Google-Motorola tie-up from the Wall Street Journal.

photo credit #newstag