NFL: Madrid Game-Washington Commanders at Miami Dolphins
Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; The NFL logo at midfield is seen prior to the 2025 NFL Madrid Game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The NFL season is less than a month away, but the league continues to navigate its broadcasting deals as the preseason gets underway.
The United States Congress and Federal Communications Commission have both examined the league’s business practices as streaming platforms continue to grow. As those platforms expand their reach, the NFL has more revenue streams to explore. That growth could put pressure on its current broadcast partners to renegotiate their existing deals.
After the NFL was reportedly upset with Paramount’s deal with the UFC, it appears the two sides have continued in contract renewal talks. According to Awful Announcing, nothing is imminent, but Paramount, the parent company of CBS, still maintains a strong relationship with the NFL.
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“We’re in constant conversation; we have so much business with them on so many other levels … There’s nothing to report on this right now, but the relationship is outstanding. We’re talking to them every day,” CBS Sports president David Berson said.
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys
Dec 21, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detail of NFL logo on a goal post pad before a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
“I mentioned the viewership success we’ve had, I mentioned they covet reach so much. CBS is the number one network 17 of the last 18 years … so they really value what we provide and we also value what they’re providing. So conversations continue, but there’s nothing at this stage to talk about.”
Bigger TV contracts incoming?
The NFL has continued to demonstrate just how valuable its television product remains. Live sports remain one of the biggest draws for traditional television networks, while streaming services continue to look for premium programming that can attract and retain subscribers.
That puts the NFL in a strong negotiating position whenever its current agreements come up for renewal. The league already has major partnerships across traditional networks and streaming platforms. This gives plenty of leverage when determining where its games will be available.
CBS remains one of the NFL’s most important television partners, particularly with its long-running AFC and annual broadcasts of some of the league’s biggest games. The network’s relationship with the NFL also gives both sides an incentive to maintain the partnership.
NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers
Nov 5, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of the NFL logo on goalpost padding prior to the game between the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Still, the changing media landscape could eventually lead to another significant increase in the value of NFL broadcasting rights. The league has already benefited from massive television contracts, and the continued expansion of streaming could create even more competition for its games.
For now, there does not appear to be an immediate agreement on the horizon between CBS and the NFL. However, Berson’s comments make it clear that the two sides remain in regular communication.
With the NFL season approaching and media companies continuing to battle for premium sports content, those conversations could become increasingly important. The league has no shortage of options, and its next round of television negotiations could ultimately produce another lucrative deal.