NFL wants to accelerate TV rights renegotiations to as early as next year, Roger Goodell says

NFL Media Rights Renegotiation - The NFL is considering renegotiating TV rights deals earlier than expected, potentially as early as next year [1] - Commissioner Roger Goodell believes the NFL is "leaving money on the table" compared to revenue increases in other sports leagues like the NBA and NHL [1][2] - The NFL signed an 11-year deal in 2021, locking up media rights until 2033, but there's an opt-out clause after the 2029-2030 season [1] - The NFL believes its current media partners may benefit from negotiating early to secure more years of NFL rights beyond 2030 [2] - The NFL's popularity is highlighted by the fact that 72 of the top 100 shows last year were NFL games, and 93 of the top 100 the year before [3] - Early NFL game ratings are higher this year compared to last year [4] Potential Impact on Other Sports Leagues - The NFL's renegotiation could put pressure on Major League Baseball, whose rights deal expires after the 2028 season [4] - Media companies may not have enough funds to accommodate increased rights fees for both the NFL and MLB [5] - Baseball might try to accelerate its media rights talks to precede the NFL [5] Financial Implications - Sports investors are advised to "go long NFL" in the near term [6] - A significant increase in media rights revenue could further increase NFL team franchise valuations, which were already up 18% year-over-year [7] - Increased media rights revenue could also lead to a higher NFL salary cap [7]