The NFL this afternoon awarded CBS the Thursday night package, picking the network over competing bids from ABC, Fox, NBC and Turner. It is not known how much CBS paid for the package, but sources said the initial bids were in the high $200M range for the year. The agreement is for the '14 season with an additional year at the NFL's option. CBS will carry eight early-season games that will be simulcast on NFL Network. NFL Network will carry eight late-season games, two of which will be on Saturdays. CBS will produce all 16 games and will use its top broadcast team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms on all of the Thursday games. CBS and NFL Network both will provide talent for the pregame, halftime and postgame shows. "Our goal is to bring these games to more fans on broadcast television with unprecedented promotion and visibility for Thursday Night Football on CBS," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a prepared statement. CBS Sports Chair Sean McManus: "The NFL is the most powerful programming in television. To add a primetime NFL package to our successful Sunday AFC package further strengthens our position in the sports marketplace."
