In a surprise, CBS Sports has acquired the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football” package for the 2014 season.
Sports Business Daily reported Wednesday that CBS has won the rights to eight early season “Thursday Night Football” games that will be simulcast on NFL Network. In a Wednesday press release, the NFL said it has the option to extend the deal into the 2015 season.
NFL Network will televise a separate package of eight late season games, including two on Saturdays. In all, the Thursday night schedule will feature two games on NBC, eight on CBS/NFL Network, and six on NFL Network alone.
All 16 games on CBS and/or NFL Network will be CBS productions, with Jim Nantz and Phil Simms on the call. NFL Network analysts will join those from CBS on the pregame.
CBS was chosen over NBC, FOX, ESPN/ABC and Turner Sports. By far the strongest of the Big Four broadcast networks, the network arguably needed the Thursday night package less than any other bidder.
(Wed. news from Sports Business Daily)
