Overview

• Roger Goodell told CNBC the NFL could open negotiations in 2026, well ahead of contractual opt-outs after the 2029–30 season, with Disney’s term running one year longer.
• Starting early would require agreement from all incumbent partners: Disney/ESPN, NBCUniversal, Paramount/CBS, Amazon and Fox.
• A pending ESPN–NFL asset-for-equity transaction, currently under regulatory review, could complicate the timing of any accelerated talks.
• The league is evaluating structural variables, including a potential 18th regular-season week that would need NFLPA approval and the possibility of expanding participation by streamers such as Netflix and YouTube.
• An earlier reset could add billions in revenue and ripple into future salary caps and team valuations, though the NFL has not begun formal renegotiations.