The Future of NFL Broadcast and the 17th Game

The world of NFL broadcasting is set to undergo a significant transformation in the next few years. This article will delve into the upcoming changes, including the potential simulcasting of half of ESPN's Monday night games on ABC, the inclusion of ABC in the Super Bowl rotation beginning in 2023, and the implementation of the long-rumored 17th NFL regular season game.

Simulcasting of Monday Night Football on ABC

As we move into the 2023 television contract period, ESPN is exploring the possibility of simulcasting half of its Monday night games on ABC. This move would allow both networks to benefit, particularly by increasing their presence in the integral Super Bowl rotation. Currently, three networks—Fox, NBC, and CBS—share the Super Bowl rotation, each securing three Super Bowl broadcasts over the course of the contract. The addition of ABC would increase the total to four networks, offering a new dynamic in the NFL broadcasting landscape.

As part of this agreement, three “Monday Night Football” (MNF) games will air each season on ABC in doubleheaders. On these nights, the other MNF game will be broadcast on ESPN. Additionally, during Week 18, ABC will air two Saturday NFL games, providing versatile broadcasting options throughout the season. This arrangement allows for a seamless transition and increases the overall coverage and reach of football programming.

The 17th Game: A Reality

Another major development is the implementation of the 17th NFL regular-season game during the 2021-2022 season. This 17th game has been long-anticipated and was finally approved by the NFL’s owners and the union. The decision to include the 17th game came to a head as part of the new TV contracts beginning in 2023. Several networks, including Fox, CBS, and NBC, have expressed interest in securing the rights to this game, which is currently broadcast on Thursday evenings, a time slot that has seen success for Amazon's "Thursday Night Football."

Unlike previous instances, it is unlikely that Fox and CBS will change their schedules significantly to accommodate the 17th game. NBC, on the other hand, has been granted the exclusive rights to "Sunday Night Football," and Amazon will maintain its exclusive broadcasting of "Thursday Night Football." This leaves room for the 17th game to be aired on other networks, but with a competitive bidding process expected, it is yet to be determined which network will secure the rights.

The Impact on Broadcast Rights and the NFL's Future

The most significant change is the inclusion of ABC in the Super Bowl rotation. While the NFL traditionally rotates among three networks, adding a fourth opens up new possibilities for bidding and negotiating. The big question remains: what will the NFL accept for this change, and what concessions will Fox, NBC, and CBS be willing to make in return?

There is also speculation about the future of MNF on ESPN. If ESPN were to decide to relinquish MNF rights, networks like Turner, Fox, and NBC would be keen to acquire these coveted games. Fox, which already has Thursday night broadcasts, would be particularly interested in securing the right to MNF. However, if ABC's deal with Sunday NFL games falls through, ESPN might reconsider keeping MNF, potentially bringing these games back to ABC, thus securing their significant Super Bowl rights.

The 17th game's implementation has provided a new avenue for networks to compete. The NFL is reevaluating its broadcasting schedule, and as such, this 17th game has the potential to transform the landscape of professional football broadcasting.

Stay tuned for further developments as the 2023 NFL broadcasting rights negotiations progress, and as the full implications of these changes come into focus.