Sports Media with Richard Deitsch SBJ's Ben Fischer on the NFL's biggest business stories — and whether we could ever see a 20-game regular season
Nov 19, 2025
Ben Fischer, a Sports Business Journal reporter focused on the NFL, dives into the intricate world of professional football business. He discusses the challenge of selecting Roger Goodell's successor and which candidates are in the running. Fischer highlights the NFL's international strategy, touching on the promising Spanish market and future games in Australia and Mexico. He also debates the possibility of a 20-game regular season and examines the league's evolving relationship with streaming giants like Netflix as they cater to younger audiences.
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Commissioner Successor Picture Is Unclear
- The next NFL commissioner search is wide open with no clear immediate successor to Roger Goodell.
- Brian Rolapp has the best odds if Goodell stays until 2031, but the field is unpredictable.
International Growth Will Define The Next Era
- International expansion will be a central way the next commissioner is judged.
- Material media rights revenue from markets like Germany, Brazil and Australia is the league's next big stage.
Spain Game Proved Market Awareness Works
- Ben Fischer observed the NFL got good traction in Madrid and sold out the stadium despite imperfect matchups.
- He noted Madrid residents widely knew the NFL was there, which matters when building awareness overseas.