'RedZone' returns for 18th season and, despite 15-second commercials, could still be on in the White House

The NFL's popular "RedZone" broadcast returns for its 18th season on Sunday, and while the focus is seemingly on how many commercials the previously commercial-free program will air, host Scott Hanson has other things up his sleeve.

But first, the commercials thing: "There will be, there will be what people define as commercials," Hanson told OutKick recently.

"The plan is right now to have a limited number of 15-second commercials only in between plays. 'NFL REDZONE' HOST SCOTT HANSON SAYS HE UNDERSTANDS FAN FRUSTRATION OVER COSTLY STREAMING SUBSCRIPTIONS "So we're on a Dallas Cowboys drive.

OK, first-and-10 after a 5-yard gain.

They're walking back to the huddle.

That's when we will splice in one standalone, 15-second commercial.

I can confirm that for you." "RedZone" aired 16 advertisements of some kind at one point last season, which marked a significant increase for what was once seven hours of commercial-free programming.

Hanson said fears that the number will increase to start the 2026 season are unfounded.

In fact, there will be fewer at the start of the season.

That, of course, says nothing about what will happen later this season, but Hanson isn’t making those decisions.

"The rest of it is up to the business folks and Uncle Scott doesn't make the decisions when it comes to the business folks at the NFL," he said.

"But yes, there will be advertisements, a limited number, what I would describe as a limited amount, but fans can make their own minds up about that." Fans made up their minds about "RedZone" and Hanson a long time ago, and those fans have come from some unlikely places.

"I've been told we've been on in the White House in the last two administrations, so both sides of the aisle," Hanson said.

SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS "I've been told by the players ...