When it comes to the NFL, the game on the field is only half the story—how we watch it is becoming just as compelling. As fans, we're not just tuning in for touchdowns; we're keeping an eye on the broadcast deals that shape our viewing experience. The current lineup of TV partners—CBS, Fox, NBC, Prime Video, and YouTube (for Sunday Ticket)—is locked in through 2029, with ESPN's Monday Night Football running a year longer, until 2030. But the landscape could be shifting sooner than you think.
In a recent call with investors, Disney CFO Hugh Johnston dropped a notable update: ESPN and Disney have yet to sit down with the NFL for early renewal talks on the Monday Night Football package. "We're not dogmatic about the process," Johnston explained, as reported by Sports Business Journal's Austin Karp. "We're always willing to have a conversation with the NFL in an effort to find new opportunities for growth. We expect to be in business with the league for years to come, and will of course evaluate this deal as we would any deal—with discipline, and a focus on driving value for Disney shareholders."
Given that the NFL now owns a 10% stake in ESPN, it's hard to imagine the network losing its NFL games anytime soon. Still, the lack of early engagement isn't entirely surprising. The thinking around the league is that the NFL has its sights set on CBS/Paramount first, with plans to then move through its other current broadcast partners. That strategy gained momentum after Paramount was sold to Skydance, triggering a "change in control" clause in the NFL's deal with CBS. Speculation suggests the league is aiming to boost CBS's current $2.1 billion annual fee to a hefty $3 billion, and potentially starting immediately.
Interestingly, a recent Paramount earnings call didn't include any questions about the status of NFL negotiations, leaving fans and analysts in the dark about when—or if—a deal will be struck. For now, all eyes are on CBS as the starting point, while ESPN and Disney play a waiting game. As the broadcast landscape evolves, one thing is certain: how we watch football is a story worth following, whether you're gearing up for game day in your favorite jersey or just curious about where the big games will land next.