Sports Media with Richard Deitsch First Look: SBJ's Ben Fischer on who could replace Roger Goodell as the next NFL Commissioner
Nov 18, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ben Fischer, a seasoned NFL reporter for Sports Business Journal, explores the uncertain future of the league's leadership. He highlights why predicting Roger Goodell's successor is more guesswork than strategy, reminiscent of a challenging third-and-18 play. Fischer analyzes leading candidates like Brian Rolapp and emphasizes that international expansion will be crucial for the next commissioner. Dive into the intricacies of NFL politics and what the future holds for this powerhouse league.
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Naming Candidates Is High-Variance
- Projecting specific names is risky and resembles a third-and-18 play with lots of guesswork.
- Ben Fischer frames succession as informed deduction rather than certainty.
Succession Is Uncertain But Rolapp Leads
- If Roger Goodell left tomorrow, the succession picture would be wide open with lots of uncertainty.
- Ben Fischer says Brian Rolapp would have the best odds if Goodell exits after another full term in 2031.
International Rights Are The Next Test
- The next commissioner's key test will be delivering material media-rights revenue from international markets.
- Fischer highlights Germany, Brazil, and Australia as priority growth territories.