The NFL chief, speaking during the team owners meetings, says he will kick-start talks with networks in the coming weeks as he begins to prepare the ground for a deal to follow the $17.6bn package currently held by ABC/ESPN, Fox and CBS.
While the money is unlikely to decline, the length of the deal is expected to be reduced as a gesture to the changing face of the TV market.
The NFL’s main strength continues to be that the sport still attracts massive audiences – a situation which some suggest will be enough to lure some new bidders into the negotiations.
Said Tagliabue: “Our television ratings continue to be the gold standard, not only in sports, but for all of television. The audience for NFL games on broadcast television last season finished ahead of network primetime ratings by the widest margin ever - 58 percent. Our broadcast accomplishments in 2003 included the launch of the NFL Network to critical acclaim and the league's first agreement for satellite radio coverage of all NFL games, which will take effect this season.
“Our network television partners understand the unmatched value of the NFL and hope to retain their NFL rights. In the coming months, we expect to have intensive negotiations with our current network partners on the possibility of extending their contracts. With direction from our Broadcast Committee, we are focused on maintaining our very successful team and fan friendly national television arrangements, but we are prepared to adapt to dramatically changing technology and the evolving multi-channel world."
Meanwhile, Tagliabue is set for an extra three years in charge of the NFL. His contract his due to expire in May 2005, but owners have voted to extend his contract which, should he accept, will see him in the top job until 2007.
NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has been told he is to get a new contract – and has confirmed he is set to open negotiations for a new domestic TV package.
