The NFL Network is scrambling after word came down from the league office that it needed to cut $20 million from its projected budget. The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand reports that means the axe has already fallen on five shows, and more may be under consideration.
21 & Prime, Pick ‘Em, Power Rankings, Playbook, and Mic’d Up are all off the network schedule. Marchand reports the weekend edition of Good Morning Football could meet a similar fate.
The disappointing budget has made some in the NFL Network hallways nervous. “The less-than-hoped-for budget has made negotiations with on-air personnel tense, and there is a feeling some will either not be retained or be forced to take pay cuts, according to sources,” Marchand writes.
What is the reason for the budget shortfall? According to Marchand, the NFL’s 100th anniversary celebration may be to blame. The league is planning multiple events throughout the year to mark the occasion and “NFL Network has apparently absorbed part of the project into its budget.”
