The NFL is preparing to give teams a bit more control over their media rights, with a proposal that could open the door for new streaming partnerships. According to a report by the Sports Business Journal, league owners are expected to review a plan next week that would allow clubs to sell local preseason television rights and team-produced programming directly to streaming platforms.
While preseason games don’t draw the same attention as regular season matchups, they still deliver steady viewership and represent an untapped revenue stream for individual franchises.
Currently, most teams partner with local broadcast affiliates that carry preseason games within their markets. These deals often come with official partnership designations and exclusivity.
If approved, the new framework would expand the pool of potential buyers to include streamers. That approach mirrors regional streaming agreements seen in other sports. According to the report, local preseason rights typically generate low seven-figure deals, though teams in larger markets can command higher fees.
Even so, the opportunity is viewed as incremental rather than transformational.
Additionally, the proposal includes a provision that would let teams distribute preseason games beyond their home territories. To do so, franchises would likely need to acquire expanded rights from the league. Specific pricing and structure details are expected to be clarified following an ownership vote.
Another element under consideration involves team-produced content. Clubs could gain the ability to sell programming such as coaches’ shows and behind-the-scenes features directly to streaming platforms.
These potential changes come after an extended internal review of the NFL’s internet resolution, a policy that governs how digital content and intellectual property are controlled and monetized. The framework outlines what belongs to the league versus individual teams, often down to granular details.
The current agreement is set to expire March 31, making a vote necessary. The outcome could further clarify how the league balances its centralized model with growing demands for team-level revenue opportunities.
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they already can distribute games out of market, but only to non NFL markets. Honolulu traditionally carries 4 or 5 different games every week. cities like Omaha, Little Rock, Richmond, El Paso, and Reno often carry 2 or 3 dufferent teams who both claim rights there
many teams run their own app and produce exclusive content on the App the Cowboys have done this for years so have the Vikings. the teams have the right to produce exclussive digital content already. they may not have the right to sell it to other media outlets but have the right to distribute it and produce it internally