NFL is aiming to elevate its stature heading into 2024. After Roger Goodell’s extension was confirmed as the league’s commissioner, he confirmed his long-range vision as his ally. The October announcement turned out to be the 4th extension after taking over in 2006. Since then, he has expanded the league to become one of the biggest sporting ventures in the world. The alliance with DAZN is just one of many testaments to the success and growth the NFL has experienced. Alongside the latest reports, Roger Goodell could look to take the NFL further ahead.

The NFL commissioner is hoping to continue the expansion strategy that he has implemented and exercised so far. Following the reports, the talks indicate the NFL could set to rejuvenate its dominance as one of the biggest sporting markets across the globe.

Roger Goodell and the NFL brace for ‘Equity’ impact

The NFL has continued its trend to be the sport that continues to grab eyeballs. Latest viewership metrics continue to narrate merry stories as big game clashes continue to break decade-old records. Goodell is hoping to bring a similar level of success to the shows that complement the games. The broadcast shows that are part of the NFL program have become a key part of the experience, but it could all change should the alliance go through.

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According to Andrew Marchand, the NFL is already in talks to secure a deal that could see some shows move to ESPN. If the deal goes through, the NFL could earn itself an equity stake in the $40 Billion conglomerate as part of the agreement. This could revamp and potentially uproot the current streaming system in some capacity as ESPN would become one of the biggest, if not the best, places to source NFL shows and exclusive content. The negotiations have extended to the point which has seen the involvement of the NFLPA and the franchise owners.

This could become one of the biggest deals that could have a wide-scale impact for both ESPN and the NFL. Roger Goodell and the League would hope that the trade could enhance their global reach as it had happened with DAZN. Although the deal’s effect is yet to reveal major changes for better or worse, it allowed the NFL to place itself on the global stage in a relatively universal fashion.

Goodell’s vision behind the DAZN tie-up

The DAZN deal came into effect less than a year ago, allowing the league to cater to a market beyond the United States. The 10-year partnership allows sports fans across the world to access NFL Game Pass International (NFL GPI) throughout the regular season and postseason.

When the agreement first became public, Roger Goodell stated, “Growing the NFL globally is a key strategic priority for the league and our 32 clubs. We are excited to partner with DAZN to help us accelerate this effort.” One could think that the DAZN deal almost guaranteed his inevitable extension based on his ability to continually grow the league’s stature.

The DAZN deal is set to stay for the next decade, with an amount stated to be $100 million annually. While the deal may have been quite significant, the expected ESPN deal could have major ramifications financially and beyond. If the league successfully undertakes an equity stake in one of the biggest sporting corporations, it may not be too far-fetched to believe that they could use such an idea for future negotiations. But that’s a thought for another day.

The NFL is seemingly at a crossroads even though it may not seem like it. Roger Goodell and the league could shake up the streaming landscape in America and beyond should they pull off the tie-up with ESPN.

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