The NFL plans to discuss partnerships with external media outlets to sell broadcasting rights for its games.

The NFL (American football league) is preparing to negotiate with new media companies following the surge in popularity of streaming services. They indicate that digital platforms are beginning to reach audiences on par with television, and they plan to expand their games internationally and may launch new licensing packages as early as next year.

On February 7, 2026, at 4:41 AM, CNBC reported that the National Football League (NFL) is preparing to open negotiations with non-traditional media companies to consider selling broadcasting rights for some games to these platforms, according to NFL President of Media, Hans Schroeder, who told CNBC Sport on Friday.

Schroeder stated in an interview with Radio Row prior to Super Bowl LX in San Francisco that there are currently both smaller partners and media industry companies interested in partnering to broadcast NFL games, although perhaps not all of them will be in the form of large-scale packages.

“We will have those discussions. We want to understand all options and look for the best model for the league, the fans, and the teams in the long term,” Schroeder said, adding that the NFL is open to listening to all parties who want to engage in negotiations.

While it hasn't been revealed which companies might be interested in acquiring the broadcasting rights for the games, last season the NFL sold the rights to broadcast the first week's games to YouTube for approximately $100 million in a one-off deal. This is a strategy that could be applied to other digital platforms in the future.

The shift in audience reception from television to streaming has made digital platforms formidable competitors to traditional television, which has long been the primary channel for the NFL.
"Now you see large digital platforms that can reach audiences on the same level as television. That gives us more options." Schroeder said.

Sources indicate that the NFL and its traditional media partners, including Disney, Paramount Global, Comcast's NBCUniversal, and Amazon, are likely to begin discussions on new broadcasting rights deals later this year, approximately four years before the current agreements include an opt-out clause.

Schroeder's stance aligns with Roger Goodell's previous statement that the NFL is open to discussions about future broadcasting rights.

In addition, the NFL plans to increase the number of international games to nine next season, a record high, and may include some of these games in a new licensing package to sell to media partners as early as next year.

Reference: www.cnbc.com

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