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NFL Fast-Tracks Media Rights Deals Ahead of 2026 Season

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Football League (NFL) is accelerating media rights negotiations to finalize deals before 2026 season.
The league will announce agreements piecemeal, starting with Paramount and Fox, through 2033 or 2034.
Current partners may need to buy out opt-out clauses to secure rights early.
Paramount CEO David Ellison expressed confidence in continuing the NFL relationship.
Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch said NFL content is needed, but no discussions have occurred yet.

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Story summary

The National Football League (NFL) is accelerating media rights negotiations to finalize deals before 2026 season.
The league will announce agreements piecemeal, starting with Paramount and Fox, through 2033 or 2034.
Current partners may need to buy out opt-out clauses to secure rights early.
Paramount CEO David Ellison expressed confidence in continuing the NFL relationship.
Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch said NFL content is needed, but no discussions have occurred yet.