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NFL Eyes Nontraditional Media Partners for Live Games

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The National Football League plans to hold talks with media companies outside its traditional broadcast partners about selling rights to live games, according to comments by the league’s media chief to CNBC. The move reflects the NFL’s effort to evaluate new distribution models as digital platforms increasingly rival broadcast television.

NFL executive Hans Schroeder said the league is exploring conversations with companies that may not seek a full rights package but could be interested in airing a single live game. The goal, he said, is to understand all available options and determine the best approach for fans, teams, and the league’s long-term strategy.

The league has already taken steps in this direction. Last season, it sold rights to a Week One game to YouTube, owned by Google, reportedly for about $100 million, signaling how streaming platforms can now deliver audiences comparable to traditional broadcasters.

Looking ahead, the NFL is set to host a record nine international games next season and could create a new media package for some of those matchups as early as next year. The discussions highlight how shifting viewing habits are expanding the league’s options as it balances reach, revenue, and fan engagement.

ESPN-NFL Deal Faces U.S. Justice Department Antitrust Review Amid Competition Concerns

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The National Football League’s deal with Walt Disney’s ESPN, involving Disney acquiring the NFL Network and other media assets in exchange for the NFL receiving a 10% equity stake in ESPN, is expected to face a thorough antitrust review by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Legal experts warn the transaction could raise significant competition concerns by potentially giving Disney greater control over sports broadcasting, which might reduce competition and increase costs for consumers. Andre P. Barlow, a partner at Doyle, Barlow & Mazard, noted the deal might lead to higher prices for streaming services or game access due to Disney’s dominance in sports media.

The DOJ’s Antitrust Division is anticipated to take up to 12 months to review the deal amid ongoing scrutiny of Disney’s recent acquisition attempts, including a controlling stake in Fubo TV, a sports streaming service.

This regulatory attention coincides with concerns raised in the U.S. Senate about rising costs for sports fans as more games move to streaming platforms. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz highlighted the cultural importance of sports and questioned why it is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to watch games.

The NFL has reportedly engaged with about 30 congressional offices to discuss the deal’s potential to increase consumer choice. Under the agreement, ESPN would incorporate the NFL Network into its sports programming and streaming service, and merge fantasy football offerings with the NFL’s. The NFL would retain streaming rights to NFL RedZone, while ESPN would distribute it to cable and satellite providers.

Disney’s previous large-scale acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets in 2018 received rapid approval, although it required divestment of regional sports networks. Experts expect the current NFL-ESPN deal to undergo more detailed scrutiny.

Political factors may further complicate the process, including former President Trump’s past interventions related to NFL team naming controversies and lawsuits affecting media mergers.

Currently, ESPN is 80% owned by ABC Inc., a Disney subsidiary, and 20% by Hearst. The deal would reduce ABC’s stake to 72% and Hearst’s to 18% to accommodate the NFL’s 10% ownership.

Joe Mixon Leads Texans to Dominant Win Over Cowboys, Expands AFC South Lead

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Mixon’s Big Night Powers Texans Past Cowboys

Joe Mixon delivered a spectacular performance on Monday night, rushing for 109 yards and three touchdowns as the Houston Texans triumphed 34-10 over the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. With the win, the Texans (7-4) extended their lead in the AFC South, now holding a two-game advantage over the second-place Indianapolis Colts.

Mixon also contributed in the passing game, adding 44 yards on two receptions. Quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 23 of 34 passes for 257 yards and one interception, helping guide the Texans to their commanding victory.

Cowboys Struggle in Fifth Consecutive Loss

Despite a strong passing effort from backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who threw for 354 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, the Cowboys (3-7) were unable to recover after falling behind. Rush connected with KaVontae Turpin for a 64-yard touchdown and had CeeDee Lamb as a reliable target with eight receptions for 93 yards. However, Dallas’ offense was unable to find any consistency, and the team suffered its fifth straight loss.

Turning Point: Barnett’s Fumble Return Seals the Win

The game took a decisive turn early in the fourth quarter when the Texans’ Derek Barnett forced a fumble on a strip-sack from Rush. After a scramble, Barnett scooped up the ball and returned it for a touchdown, increasing Houston’s lead to 27-10. The Cowboys were unable to recover from the mistake, and their hopes of a comeback dwindled.

Strong First Half by Mixon Sets the Tone

Mixon was dominant from the start, rushing for 71 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. He opened the scoring with a 45-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, followed by a 1-yard touchdown to give the Texans a 14-0 lead. Dallas answered with Turpin’s 64-yard touchdown, but Houston extended their lead to 17-7 before the break with a 33-yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn.