NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated the league is evaluating potential changes to its game package structure as it prepares for upcoming media rights negotiations. Speaking ahead of the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams matchup in Australia, Goodell indicated the league is consulting with current and prospective broadcast partners about whether to reorganize or reposition its existing offerings to better align with contemporary viewing preferences and the industry’s shift toward streaming platforms.
The NFL’s current media arrangement divides broadcast rights among multiple partners, with Fox and CBS controlling Sunday afternoon games, NBC holding Sunday Night Football, ESPN and ABC managing Monday Night Football, and Amazon securing Thursday Night Football programming. Netflix recently acquired rights to five additional games for the current season. The league maintains an opt-out provision allowing it to revisit and resell these packages following the 2029-30 season, though Goodell declined to confirm whether the organization intends to exercise this option.
Goodell emphasized that the decision need not be made immediately, noting the option’s strategic value lies in permitting the league to assess developments in the media landscape before committing to long-term arrangements. He highlighted ongoing transformations among current media partners, including Paramount’s attempted acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Fox’s agreement to purchase Roku, and Comcast’s plans to separate NBCUniversal as factors likely to influence negotiations.
The commissioner also stressed the league’s growing focus on reaching international audiences, with games scheduled in Spain, France, and Brazil during the current season. He noted that while most NFL broadcast rights remain U.S.-restricted, the global distribution of the Australian matchup through Netflix reflects expanding strategies to engage viewers worldwide.
Goodell reaffirmed that broadcast television will maintain a central role in the league’s media strategy, ensuring local markets retain free, over-the-air access to games. He stated that all NFL games will continue to be available through traditional broadcast channels.
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