The Varsity The NFL's Trust Issues
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Apr 23, 2025 Mike Florio, a key voice in NFL coverage and creator of Pro Football Talk, shares insider insights on the NFL Draft's evolving media rights and the league's global ambitions, including a season opener in Brazil. He tackles the league's antitrust hurdles and the implications of introducing an 18-game season. Florio also discusses the $50 million lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe and reflects on Adam Silver's concerns about media's hold on the NBA, shedding light on the intricate connections between sports, legal battles, and media dynamics.
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End of RSNs and Broadcast Blackouts
- Adam Silver and Larry Baer highlighted the decline of regional sports networks and the rise of league-controlled local rights packages.
- Exclusivity is fading as games will be available on multiple local or streaming channels, ending blackouts.
Tipping NFL Draft Picks Disliked
- Mike Florio dislikes tipping draft picks because fans want to experience the suspense live.
- Despite NFL discouragement, some media sometimes leak picks, but Florio prefers preserving the TV show's uncertainty.
NFL Draft TV Rights and Value
- The NFL Draft's TV rights likely remain with ESPN and ABC, but financial value is less than a regular season game.
- Draft viewership averages about 12 million, good but not on par with prime NFL games.