Prominent NFC teams like the Cowboys could play more games on CBS under a re-worked dealGETTY IMAGES
The NFL, CBS and Fox have "considered the idea of shaking up the Sunday-afternoon packages that regularly air" on the networks, according to sources cited by Brian Steinberg of VARIETY. One proposal would have the networks air packages that "include games from both the NFC and AFC, as opposed to the current system, which keeps the NFC on Fox and the AFC on CBS." A source said that the talks are "extremely preliminary," as both CBS and Fox' current deal run through the '21 season. Under their most recent agreements, CBS, Fox and NBC are "believed to be paying" a combined $3.1B per year for Sunday games. However, with rights fees "expected to go up ... shaking up the Sunday-afternoon packages might serve as a sweetener" (VARIETY.com, 3/5). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio noted eliminating the conference affiliations with the networks would "give the NFL maximum flexibility to schedule the best games for the best spots, with an eye toward selecting optimal late-afternoon, nationally-televised games that currently rotate between Fox and CBS" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 3/5).
NUMBERS TRENDING NORTH: In Toronto, John Kryk noted NFL viewership in Canada "shot up" 15% last season. Year-over-year viewership rose 19% in the regular season and 9% for all playoff games, including Super Bowl LIII. The Canadian average audience increased by 23% for Thursday night games, while Sunday early-afternoon games rose 20% and late-afternoon games rose 18%. “SNF” in Canada was up 23% and “MNF” was up 7% (TORONTO SUN, 3/5).
