The NFL is denying a report that it plans to reduce or eliminate Thursday Night Football. In other news, the UFC is looking for a big increase in television money, and the NHL All-Star Game is returning to broadcast television.
NFL Denies Plans to Reduce Thursday Night Slate
- The NFL has denied an NBC Sports report that the league plans to reduce or eliminate Thursday Night Football at the end of next season, when the series’ television deal with CBS and NBC expires. In a statement released Monday, the league said it was “fully committed to Thursday Night Football and any reports to the contrary are unfounded.” The NBC Sports report, which was published Sunday, cited an anonymous source as saying that the money NFL Network brings in for TNF “isn’t large enough” to deter the league from exploring its options. (NBCSports.com, 11/27, 11/28)
UFC Seeking Big Money in Next TV Deal
- The UFC is seeking $450 million per year from its next media rights partner, Sports Business Journal reported Monday, up nearly 300% over what it currently receives from Fox Sports ($115M). According to the report, UFC also plans to shift production costs onto whichever media outlet purchases the rights, further increasing the price tag. Incumbent FOX, whose exclusive negotiating window with UFC starts late next year, is said to have already “started balking.” Should FOX not wrap up the rights, or UFC decide to split the package across multiple outlets, NBC Sports, Turner Sports and ESPN will reportedly contend. (Sports Business Journal, 11/28)
NHL All-Star Game Back on Broadcast TV
- The upcoming NHL All-Star Game will air on NBC rather than NBCSN, NBC Sports announced Monday, marking the first time it has aired on a broadcast network since ABC televised the game in 2004. The midseason exhibition, which last aired on NBC in 1994, will air at 3:30 PM ET. The NHL joins Major League Baseball as the only two of the ‘Big Four’ sports whose all-star game is on over-the-air television. (NBC Sports Group Press Box, 11/28)
