Why Aren’t Some NFL Games Televised?

Have you ever noticed that not all NFL games are televised, even with advanced streaming options and the NFL Sunday Ticket? This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, highlighting key factors such as local blackouts, broadcast rights, flex scheduling, international games, streaming services, and time zone differences.

Local Blackouts and Attendance Incentives

Historically, one reason for not televising certain NFL games was the local blackout policy. This meant that if a game didn’t sell out within a specific timeframe, it could be blacked out in the local market. The policy was intended to encourage attendance at games, as people had no choice but to attend in person. However, in recent years, this policy has become less common, making it rarer to find games that aren’t televised due to this reason.

Complex Broadcasting Agreements

The NFL has intricate broadcasting agreements with various networks. Some games may be designated for specific networks, ensuring they receive prime time slots and broad viewership. Additionally, the league tightly controls its broadcast rights, which can vary from region to region, leading to certain games being aired exclusively on one network, instead of others.

Flex Scheduling for Competitive Matchups

During the latter part of the season, the NFL often engages in flex scheduling. This process involves changing the scheduled games to feature more competitive matchups, sometimes making it necessary to alter original game times or even move games to different local markets. As a result, certain teams may not have their games televised in specific markets during certain time slots.

International and Streaming Games

With the rise of streaming platforms and international events, the NFL has had to adapt to new viewing habits. Some games played outside the United States, such as international preseason games, may not be broadcast in certain U.S. markets due to agreements in place. Furthermore, some games are exclusively available through streaming services, which might not be accessible to all fans. This leads to situations where certain games are not televised on traditional networks, creating variability in fan views across different regions.

Time Zone Differences and Regional Programming

Another factor contributing to non-televised games is time zone differences. Games scheduled in different time zones may not be aired in certain regions due to conflicts with local programming. For instance, a game scheduled in the evening in one time zone might clash with regional affairs or other popular shows, making it difficult to air the game on traditional networks.

The Business Side: Money and Curation

Ultimately, the primary reason for variations in televised games is financial and strategic. The NFL already has its own NFL Network, which broadcasts a handful of regular-season games. However, its limited distribution means that not everyone has access to it. Major cable networks, on the other hand, have more viewership but more restrictive broadcast rights.

These factors combined create a complex landscape where fans may miss out on certain games, depending on their location and specific circumstances regarding the broadcast rights for that season. Understanding these reasons can help fans plan their TV schedules more effectively and appreciate the nuances of NFL broadcasting.