• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

NFL Stays on Offense with New Media

  • The NFL is not resting on its laurels after securing $113 billion in media deals.
  • The league inked a new deal with Twitter and is exploring investor opportunities.
football_player_tackling_another_player
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

In March, the NFL signed $113 billion in broadcast rights deals. Turns out it was just getting started.

The league renewed its deal with Twitter last week amid its ongoing exploration of new media opportunities and sponsorships. The league has partnered with Twitter since 2013.

Under the agreement, the league will host 20 sponsored conversations on Twitter Spaces — the app’s live audio platform — during the 2021 season. The league partnered with Clubhouse in April for the league’s annual player draft.

The move underscores the NFL’s recent efforts to reshape its media business. 

  • The NFL Media Group has cut back on staff as it slims down costs to make itself more attractive to investors, Front Office Sports reported on Wednesday.
  • The league tapped Goldman Sachs to explore various options for its media assets, including bringing in investment partners on the NFL Network and NFL RedZone.

“As the whole world of communications and digital media changes, we want to find a partner who can further help us maximize the reach and potential the NFL assets represent,” New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told the Wall Street Journal.

The league is also taking bids on its Sunday Ticket package of out-of-market games, with both Disney and Apple reportedly interested.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB Finalizes Short-Term TV Rights Deals, Adds NBC and Netflix

MLB reworked its ESPN deal, made new ones with NBC and Netflix.
Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump carry the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the presentation after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.

Trump-MBS White House Dinner Showcases Saudi Sports Influence 

Attendees included Ronaldo, Bryson DeChambeau, and the owner of the 76ers.

Cohen’s $8B Casino Clears Major Hurdle After USTA Dispute Resolved

A late-developing conflict with the neighboring U.S. Tennis Association is resolved.

Featured Today

ABC, ESPN Bounce Back With Big CFB Ratings After YouTube TV Deal

Oklahoma-Alabama and Texas-Georgia drew more than 10 million viewers.
Jan 28, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, begins a hearing to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
November 18, 2025

Congress Turns Up Heat on Sports Leagues Over Betting Integrity Issues

MLB, the NBA, and the NCAA are all in lawmakers’ crosshairs.
Oct 3, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) warms up before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mullett Arena
November 18, 2025

NCAA-CHL Rule Change Has Already Shaken Up Hockey

Inside how leagues feel a year since the announcement.
Sailgating
November 14, 2025

‘Sailgating’: Inside Washington Football’s Tradition on the Water

The pregame experience can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field.
opinion

NFL Refs Are Ruining the TV Experience

The Eagles–Lions game was just the latest example of bad calls.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
November 17, 2025

YouTube TV Gains Full ESPN DTC Access in Far-Reaching Deal

ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service will be integrated into YouTube TV.
Michelle Smallmon
November 18, 2025

How ESPN Radio’s Michelle Smallmon Bet on Herself and Won

After the pandemic, she felt “something was missing.”
Sponsored

NFL QB Christian Ponder Is Preparing Athletes for Business

Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder discusses the transition from field to boardroom.
November 17, 2025

Sinclair-Scripps Deal Would Forge Another Sports Giant on Free TV

Sinclair looks to join in the growing wave of industry consolidation.
November 14, 2025

Disney and Google Strike Deal to End ESPN YouTube TV Blackout

ESPN returns to the service in time for college football on Saturday.
Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Louisiana State Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) under pressure from Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) and defensive lineman Keon Keeley (31) during the second quarter of the game at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 14, 2025

College Football Viewership Increases Taper Off

A torrid viewership start to the season has slowed down in recent weeks.
The NBC Sports broadcast team works Michigan State's football game against Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
November 14, 2025

NBC Sports, Versant Bring Back Old Sports Media Brands

NBC Sports Network and USA Sports are back in new forms.