NFL, YouTube negotiating lengthy deal for extended streaming package

The NFL is exploring ways to grow its streaming footprint beyond traditional television.

FOX, NBC, CBS, and ESPN still control most of the league’s media rights, but that could shift as streaming platforms push harder for access.

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Amazon Prime, Netflix, Peacock, and YouTube TV all want more NFL content, and the league appears ready to listen.

Front Office Sports reported that the NFL and YouTube entered long-form contract discussions over a five-game package. Nothing is finalized yet, but these talks typically signal a deal is close to getting done.

The additional games became available after ESPN acquired NFL Network. ESPN took over games that previously aired on the league’s own network and gave up its Monday Night Football doubleheader slate in exchange.

NFL Media cameras at the NFL Scouting Combine.

That swap created new inventory for the league to sell, and YouTube could land those games if the sides reach an agreement. Currently, key details remain under wraps. The pricing structure and timeline for when the games would air are still unknown.

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The NFL’s approach seems to spread games across more platforms and bring in more money. Every new broadcast deal means another revenue stream, and streaming services are lining up for a piece.

YouTube TV already locked up NFL Sunday Ticket in 2023 through a seven-year deal worth $2 billion. The platform also streamed a primetime Week 1 matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs last year, a game held in Brazil.