NFL Media Rights & Schedule Shakeup
Key Questions
When will the 2026 NFL schedule be released?
The schedule release is imminent, with early teases including a Chiefs-Broncos Monday Night Football opener and a Lions-Bills Thursday Night Football game in Week 2.
Which networks will air Saturday night games in 2026?
FOX and CBS are scheduled to broadcast Saturday night games, including international matchups in Munich during Weeks 10 and 15.
How many international games are planned for the 2026 season?
The NFL will feature nine international games, including one in Australia on Netflix and another in Rio on CBS, with ESPN-owned NFL Network airing at least five.
Why is NFL Network unavailable on Comcast?
A carriage dispute has arisen after Disney/ESPN acquired NFL Network and demanded significantly higher fees, leading to its current absence from the provider.
What is the projected growth in sports TV ad spending?
Sports TV ad spending is expected to reach $20 billion by 2027, driven in part by upcoming NFL rights renewals and the current $9.5 billion annual deal.
Schedule release imminent amid teases: Chiefs-Broncos MNF opener, Lions-Bills TNF W2, FOX/CBS Sat nights (Munich W10, W15), intl 9 games inc Australia Netflix/Rio CBS; Amazon no expansions. Broadcasters beef, NFL Network carriage disputes (Comcast/ESPN), DOJ antitrust probe ($4.7B damages) stall YouTube/Netflix; ad spend to $20B by 2027. Refs CBA thru 2032.