NFL Owners Vote to Eliminate International Game Home Protection Rule
In a move that will reshape scheduling flexibility for teams participating in the league’s global expansion, NFL owners voted on Tuesday to eliminate a longstanding rule.
What Changed?
Previously, teams hosting an international game could shield two of their nine home games from being selected for specific broadcast windows or dates. Under the new policy, teams hosting an international contest now have no ability to prevent any of their home games from being selected for international broadcast.
League Executives Offer Differing Rationales
NFL Executive V.P. of Club Business, International & League Events Peter O'Reilly stated that the change is "less about international games and more about optimizing the schedule."
However, a slightly different reason was cited by another league official. Mike North, V.P. of Broadcast Planning, said Friday that the rule change was motivated by "respect for international fans."
The Bottom Line
Moving forward, all home games for teams playing abroad will be fully exposed to the league's scheduling and broadcast selection process, removing the previous safeguard of two "protected" contests.