Overview
- On an earnings call, CEO Lachlan Murdoch said Fox would consider rebalancing its sports portfolio to absorb anticipated increases to keep NFL rights.
- Roger Goodell has indicated negotiations with rights holders could begin this year, even though opt-out windows start after the 2029 season, and Fox pays about $2.25 billion annually for Sunday games.
- Industry reporting suggests Fox may target non‑NFL properties for cuts or non‑renewals to fund an NFL increase, with possibilities including the World Cup after 2026, MLB’s 2028 rights cycle, and other soccer packages.
- Analysts view Big Ten football, NASCAR under contract through 2031, and IndyCar — where Fox has an ownership tie — as less likely candidates for reductions.
- Fox reported $5.18 billion in fiscal Q2 revenue, up 2% year over year, as higher sports rights amortization and production costs underscored the financial trade-offs under consideration.