Overview
- Sports Media Watch, citing John Ourand of Puck, reports YouTube balked at sharing a new NFL package, with two game windows now being offered to broadcast networks and three likely going to Netflix, which would lift its total to five when paired with its Christmas Day doubleheader.
- Earlier coverage from CNBC and others said the NFL planned to divide four former Monday Night Football doubleheader games between YouTube and Netflix, underscoring how fluid the talks remain as the league finalizes this season’s schedule.
- The NFL is expected to slightly increase the share of games on free over-the-air TV next season, with reporting pointing to Fox carrying a Christmas Day game even as new standalone slots are carved out for streamers.
- Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the streamer strategy in a new profile, saying “Netflix is not a small distribution,” as the Justice Department investigates the league’s media-rights deals and the FCC questions how streaming fits under the Sports Broadcasting Act.
- Disney’s CFO said ESPN has not begun early renewal talks for its package, while industry reporting says the NFL is pushing partners for much higher rights fees despite most current deals running into the next decade.