Summary
CNBC's Alex Sherman interviews NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about his new contract, the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia, and the league's global expansion strategy. Goodell discusses plans to grow international games, the possibility of an international franchise, media-rights optionality, an eventual 18-game season, and sports betting and prediction-market regulation. He emphasizes league health and rising team valuations but provides no direct public-market investment thesis.
- Roger Goodell signed a four-year extension running through March 2031.
- The NFL will play 10 international games next year and could eventually expand toward 16.
- Goodell sees a non-U.S. franchise as possible someday but says expansion is not first on the league's list.
- NFL team valuations rose 35% year over year, and Goodell says investor demand remains strong.
- The NFL holds a media-rights opt-out after the 2029 season and is evaluating repackaging and new partners.
- Goodell says the league needs stronger prediction-market regulation before partnering with Kalshi or Polymarket.
- Goodell says an 18-game season will be addressed in CBA talks and highlights international growth as a priority.