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Jason Kelce Warns NFL Is Losing Its Sunday Identity as Schedule Spreads Across the Week

Federal regulators and broadcasters are reviewing the league's expanded windows over concerns about access and competition.

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Dec 29, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; ESPN MNF broadcaster Jason Kelce shown on set prior to the game between the Los Angeles Rams against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • In late May, Jason Kelce said on the New Heights podcast that the NFL is eroding the ritual of "Sunday football" by moving more marquee games into standalone primetime windows on other days of the week.
  • The 2026 schedule places games on nearly every day, including a Wednesday season opener and additional Friday and Saturday fixtures, and league data show fewer Sunday afternoon games this year (197) than in 2021 (211).
  • NFL executives, including media chief Hans Schroeder, say expanded windows meet fan demand and boost revenue by creating more exclusive national and streaming packages.
  • The shift has drawn formal scrutiny from the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission and complaints from broadcasters and the NAB about paywalled games and competitive harm, while lawmakers have proposed access-focused measures.
  • Fans face higher cost and complexity to follow every game because of streamer exclusives and new international fixtures, and the change could weaken long-standing Sunday viewing routines that supported fantasy leagues, tailgates, and local broadcast markets.