The NFL and Twitter have agreed a deal that will see 10 matches broadcast on the social media platform during the 2016 regular season.

Thursday Night Football fixtures will be streamed globally at no cost to viewers, along with pre-match content via Twitter-owned live video service Periscope.

"Twitter is where live events unfold and is the right partner for the NFL as we take the latest step in serving fans around the world live NFL football," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.  

"There is a massive amount of NFL-related conversation happening on Twitter during our games and tapping into that audience, in addition to our viewers on broadcast and cable, will ensure Thursday Night Football is seen on an unprecedented number of platforms this season.

"This agreement also provides additional reach for those brands advertising with our broadcast partners."

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey added: "This is about transforming the fan experience with football.

"People watch NFL games with Twitter today. Now they'll be able to watch right on Twitter Thursday nights."

Twitter is thought to have seen off competition from the likes of Amazon, Google and Apple for the rights.