Tuesday, August 18, 2026
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NFL, YouTube in Advanced Talks for 5-Game Package

The NFL has extra inventory to sell following ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network.

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) in the second half during a NFL game at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images
Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images

The NFL and YouTube have entered a long-form contract review for a five-game package, Front Office Sports has learned.

While a deal has not been finalized, the review typically indicates it is likely to happen.

The NFL has extra inventory to sell following ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network. As a part of the deal, ESPN assumed the games that previously aired on the league-owned cable channel, while relinquishing its Monday Night Football doubleheaders.

Price and duration of the YouTube package were not immediately known, nor was when the games would air. NFL Network’s previous package of games primarily consisted of international games that kicked off at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Last year, YouTube, which is owned by Google, aired a primetime Week 1 matchup between the Chargers and Chiefs that took place in Brazil. YouTube TV became the rights provider for the NFL Sunday Ticket package in 2023 in a seven-year deal worth $2 billion.

The NFL declined comment. Reps from Google didn’t immediately respond.

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