Goodell Discusses L.A. Expansion, Blackout Rule On "Costas Tonight"

Roger Goodell last night appeared on the debut episode of NBC Sports Network's "Costas Tonight" and told host Bob Costas that the league would expand to 34 teams if L.A. was awarded a franchise, instead of moving a current team. Goodell: “We want to keep our teams where they are.” Goodell noted there are “two plans that are developing in Los Angeles, both of which we think have a great deal of potential.” He said of the “dilemma” about putting a team in L.A., “Not only do we have to get the stadium in L.A., but then we have to find out how to get the team.”

Goodell also said the league’s blackout rule is not “antiquated.” He said, “Fans want to see the game on free television. We’re fortunate that we just extended our agreements with our broadcast partners. We’re the only league to stay on free television, and what we do is try to balance staying on free television with making sure our stadiums are full. We’ve been very aggressive in trying to price our seats accordingly to make sure they’re sold-out, to create policies where teams can use comp tickets for military and use football in other ways to get our stadiums full” (“Costas Tonight,” NBC Sports Network, 2/2).