Paramount is merging with Skydance, which means CBS will soon have new ownership. With this potential change in ownership, the NFL may have the opportunity to renegotiate its current deal with CBS. NFL Commissioner, Goodell, did not rule out this possibility during an appearance on CNBC.
Goodell praised CBS as a great partner dating back to 1956, highlighting their extraordinary work, including the record-breaking viewership of over 200 million people during the recent Super Bowl. He acknowledged the importance of closely monitoring the ownership transition to understand how it may impact the NFL and its business decisions moving forward.
For the NFL, making decisions that result in more opportunities is often the primary goal. Opening up the contract for renegotiation could lead to increased benefits for the league. While the current broadcast deals can be terminated four years early, allowing the league to put packages up for bidding after the 2029 season, renegotiating with CBS could potentially lead to even better deals.
If the NFL were to put a portion of the Sunday afternoon package up for bidding, it is unlikely that they would accept anything less than what CBS is currently paying. In fact, if another network were willing to pay more, CBS could risk losing their broadcasting rights just as they did in the mid-90s when Fox acquired the NFC package.
This potential shift in ownership could present exciting opportunities for the NFL to secure more lucrative deals and expand its reach to a broader audience. As the league continues to evolve and grow, partnerships with networks like CBS will play a crucial role in shaping the future of football broadcasting. Stay tuned as the negotiations unfold, and we witness how this new ownership may impact the NFL’s broadcasting landscape.