NBC is picking up another NFL game in December, though it won’t be on a Sunday or a holiday.
Per a Monday announcement, the game will take place in the afternoon on Saturday, December 21, and air on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo. The matchup has yet to be announced.
NBC also retains its Sunday Night Football primetime game on Sunday, December 22.
“We’re excited to work with our partners at the NFL to acquire an additional game for NBCUniversal platforms at a crucial point in the playing season,” said Rick Cordella, President, NBC Sports. “With two NFL games in exclusive windows on the last December weekend before the holidays, we continue to deliver for our owned-stations, affiliates and partners.”
The timing of this game is eye-opening, as it will take place on the same day as three College Football Playoff games. Earlier this year, reports indicated the league was trying to nudge the Playoff into tweaking its schedule and moving at least one of those Saturday games.
Despite those pleas, the league seems fine competing head-to-head with the Playoff, as NFL chief media and business officer Brian Rolapp said last month. Rolapp said the league was “still going to do what we do” when it comes to late-season scheduling, and adding a Saturday game to a broadcast network is an example of that strategy.
The NFL’s full schedule for the 2024 season will be revealed on Wednesday, May 15.
About Joe Lucia
I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.