NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL is talking to television networks about selling a package of Thursday night games.
League spokesman Brian McCarthy said Sunday that NFL Network would retain some games, “but we are in discussions to air a part of the package with existing and potentially new broadcast and cable partners.”
NFL Network began airing an eight-game package in 2006, which increased to 13 in 2012. The league could sell some of those games to an outside network, starting as soon as next season.
As NFL games keep drawing monster TV ratings, any additional games are hugely appealing to networks. The competition for a potential package is even greater with the recent addition of cable channel Fox Sports 1 and NBC’s attempts to grow NBCSN. Turner Sports also could be among the potential suitors.