The NFL may not wait until the end of the decade to renegotiate its record-setting media rights deals. Commissioner Roger Goodell told CNBC in an exclusive interview the league could begin talks as soon as 2026 — four years before its current opt-out clause.
The league signed an 11-year, $111 billion media package in 2021 that runs through the 2033 season for most partners, with Disney’s ESPN holding an extra year of rights. The agreement included a league opt-out after the 2029–30 season, but Goodell hinted the NFL may look to accelerate discussions if it benefits both sides.
“I think our partners would want to sit down and talk to us at any time, and we continue to dialogue with them,” Goodell said. “Obviously it’s not going to happen this year. But it could happen as early as next year. That could happen.”
NFL games remain the most valuable programming in television. That dominance continues to give the league leverage in negotiations, even as the broader media landscape shifts rapidly.
Goodell emphasized the importance of flexibility in the current rights deals.
“The reason why we felt so strongly about the option is the landscape is changing. It could be a long-term deal with the benefit of having that stability and security of it. But I think the reality of it is it changes so quickly that you want to have the ability to move,” he said.
Recent media rights deals in other leagues have raised eyebrows across the industry. The NBA and NHL both struck lucrative new agreements within the past year, significantly boosting their annual revenue. Goodell admitted those numbers caught his attention, acknowledging the NFL may be leaving money on the table.
Any accelerated talks would include Amazon, ESPN, Fox, NBCUniversal, and Paramount-owned CBS. Representatives for those companies declined comment.
However, regulatory complications could loom in 2026, as ESPN’s pending deal to sell a 10% stake to the NFL may complicate timing. Renegotiating rights while that transaction remains unsettled could create conflicts of interest.
Another factor could be the league’s consideration of an 18th week of regular-season play. Expanding the schedule requires approval from the NFL Players Association, which is currently led on an interim basis. The timing of that decision could affect when new rights packages are finalized.
Streaming partners could also play a larger role. YouTube carried a Week 1 game this season, while Netflix has established a Christmas Day tradition with NFL games. Goodell’s comments suggest future agreements will leave room to expand with new platforms.
The ripple effects of an accelerated NFL negotiation could reach Major League Baseball, which is scheduled to revisit its media rights in 2028. If the NFL cashes in early, it may tighten budgets for other leagues — or strengthen their case for bigger fees.
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