As professional football continues to dominate the sports world, the National Football League (NFL) remains one of the most watched and profitable sports organizations in the world. With each new season, the NFL’s broadcast agreements are closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, as they play a crucial role in the league’s continued success.
Recently, the NFL announced its new broadcast agreements for the 2021-2033 seasons, marking a significant shift in its media strategy. The league has reached long-term agreements with several major media companies, including CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN and Amazon. These agreements are worth an estimated $110 billion, almost double the previous agreements.
One of the most notable changes in the new agreements is the expansion of Thursday Night Football from a simulcast on both CBS and NFL Network to a tri-cast with NFL Network, CBS and NBC. Under this new agreement, each network will get five Thursday night games per season. This expansion will give the NFL a larger audience, as well as provide more prime-time exposure for advertisers.
Another key element of the new agreements is the increased focus on digital platforms. Amazon has secured the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football beginning in 2023, becoming the first digital partner to carry a full season of NFL games. ESPN+ will also be streaming one international game per season, and all games will be available to stream through the NFL’s digital properties.
The NFL has also made strides to increase diversity in its broadcast teams. Under the new agreements, NBC will carry a primetime game featuring an all-Black broadcast team, while CBS will feature a similar game with an all-female broadcast team. These initiatives showcase the NFL’s commitment to social justice and equality, which has been a major focus for the league in recent years.
Overall, the NFL’s new broadcast agreements represent a significant shift towards a more digital-focused strategy, while also increasing the league’s reach and diversity. These agreements will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the league’s future success and should be watched closely by all fans of the NFL.