BIZ New NFL Media Rights Deals Are Major Money by Nicholas Durst January 5, 2021 The NFL is discussing TV rights deals with its partners that could be for 10 years and far exceed $100 billion in total value. All of the league’s current broadcast deals expire by 2022. Negotiations might not result in much of a shakeup to the current network landscape, despite previous reports of bidding wars between ESPN and NBC for Sunday night rights. The end result could be mostly the status quo, except for Thursday nights where Amazon is emerging as a potential front-runner for the package. The biggest change could be Amazon becoming the primary Thursday night rights holder — historically the least desirable package — edging out Fox. The expected structure, per The New York Post: “Thursday Night Football” — Amazon Sunday afternoon games — CBS and Fox “Sunday Night Football” — NBC “Monday Night Football” — ESPN/ABC Disney is expected to add Super Bowls to its package. One option entails the league assigning the Super Bowl for eight years of the 10-year contracts — two years each to ABC/ESPN, NBC, CBS and Fox — then auctioning off the final two years at a later date. ABC/ESPN, owned by Disney, has wanted better games if it retains its Monday night schedule. There is a possibility of late-season flexible scheduling. Though the flexing would likely be more limited than for Sunday nights, it could be done to eliminate the MNF stinkers in December. Some ESPN Monday night games are already simulcast on ABC, but that number could increase or become a weekly setup in the next contract. Sunday NFL Ticket rights could also be in play, as it’s not expected to remain on DirecTV. AT&T is currently pursuing a sale of the struggling satellite division as it looks to alleviate around $160 billion in debt. Amazon, ESPN+ and Apple TV+ are seen as top candidates for streaming rights to all the Sunday games. The league could sell the package to multiple carriers, and move on from DirecTV’s exclusive $1.5 billion per year contract. The deals are not completed and the NFL could change course, but this is where it is trending, according to sources. The NFL is the highest-rated programming in television, which gives the league exceptional leverage, and they are expected to receive substantial increases over their current contracts. Post Views: 366 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Nicholas Durst Nicholas Durst is a sports media professional who has worked as an on-air personality and producer with the Brooklyn Cyclones, Bleacher Report, MSG Networks, WFAN Radio and MTV. He has experience in TV, radio, social/digital media, short-form and live video across sports and entertainment. He is also a NCAA Division II broadcaster for CSI SportsNet. Nicholas hosts You Know I'm Right, right here on InTheZone.io. Follow him on twitter @Nick_Durst Latest posts by Nicholas Durst (see all) You Know I’m Right, Episode 113: New York Post Columnist Phil Mushnick (Audio/Video) - April 29, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 112: New York Jets’ Insider Brian Costello (Audio/Video) - April 27, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 111: New York Giants’ Insider John Schmeelk (Audio/Video) - April 23, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 110: New York Giants’ Insider Paul Dottino (Audio/Video) - April 21, 2021 Related TopicsABCamazonESPNFOXNBCNFlNFL Media RightsSuper Bowl Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Passion For Sports Led Kelly Burke To Career As Broadcaster by Sunil Sunder Raj | posted on November 16, 2020 Women in Sports: Podcast Host, New York Riptide Sideline Reporter, Dani Wexelman by Luke Porco | posted on March 3, 2020 CBI to Utilize Experimental Men’s Basketball Rules Including Use of Quarters by Media Release | posted on March 9, 2017 Tim Capstraw reflects back on path to becoming Brooklyn Nets radio color analyst by Sunil Sunder Raj | posted on October 20, 2020 More in BIZ You Know I’m Right, Episode 113: New York Post Columnist Phil Mushnick (Audio/Video) On the 113th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 112: New York Jets’ Insider Brian Costello (Audio/Video) On the 112th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... How the You Know I’m Right Podcast Reached 100 Episodes On March 29, 2021, the You Know I’m Right Podcast published it’s 100th episode... You Know I’m Right, Episode 111: New York Giants’ Insider John Schmeelk (Audio/Video) On the 111th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... The Mamba Brand? Kobe Bryant Was Reportedly Thinking Of Leaving Nike To Create Own Sneaker Company 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games Are Way Over Budget