• June 27, 2011

The NFL is negotiating with TV networks about a new early-season eight-game package that could start next season, reports Sports Business Journal. The potential Thursday night package is pegged at an estimated $700 million per year, which could soften the blow to players of a potential labor deal if they receive less revenue than in previous years. Turner and Comcast are serious bidders for such a package, which would not affect NFL Network's schedule of live games, as the league has decided to keep its channel's eight-game Thursday night slate in the second half of the season intact. The NFL declined to comment, but sources said the league has the rights to take enough games from CBS and Fox's Sunday afternoon schedules to fill the new eight-game package and does not have to wait for those contracts to expire after the 2013 season.