In a major move that underscores broadcast television's enduring power, Fox has secured rights to two additional NFL games, even as the league continues to expand its streaming partnerships. The announcement came Monday morning during Fox's earnings call, where executive chair and CEO Lachlan Murdoch confirmed the network's strengthened slate of games.
The first of these newly acquired matchups is an international showdown from Munich in Week 10, scheduled for November 15. In that game, the Detroit Lions will serve as the home team, creating a historic tripleheader for Fox that day—a first for the network. The second game will be a Saturday contest in Week 15, adding more prime-time excitement to the schedule.
This development follows Fox's earlier pickup of a Christmas night slot, signaling the network's aggressive push to keep marquee NFL action on traditional television. The league is currently in the process of reselling rights to five games originally tied to its complex equity deal with ESPN, with Netflix also expected to play a key role in that inventory.
For sports fans who prefer the reliability of broadcast TV over streaming services, this is welcome news. Fox's expanded deal comes at a time when the NFL is preparing to reopen all its core domestic rights deals—a process that could have significant financial implications for the network.
"I think the important note to take here is that there is no tension with the NFL," Murdoch said during the call. "We have been partners for 30 years. We're looking forward to being partners for the next 30 years."
The timing of this agreement is particularly strategic, as it helps address growing political pressure on the league over its streaming deals. The NFL faces at least four different regulatory and legislative challenges, including a U.S. Department of Justice investigation. While that probe isn't expected to result in charges, President Donald Trump has been outspoken in his criticism, warning that shifting games to streaming platforms could alienate fans who can't afford multiple subscriptions.
"It's tough," Trump said in a recent interview. "You got people that love football. They're great people. They don't make enough money to go and pay this. It's tough. And they could be killing the golden goose."
Despite these concerns, the league maintains its commitment to broadcast television remains unwavering. For fans and apparel enthusiasts alike, this means more opportunities to catch the action on free, over-the-air TV—perfect for those game-day watch parties where you want to show off your team's latest gear.