Shifting Strategy for Monday Nights

For several seasons, the NFL utilized a broadcast agreement with Disney that featured simultaneous Monday Night Football games airing on both ABC and ESPN. This arrangement was originally intended to increase the volume of available football content beyond the traditional Sunday afternoon window. However, following a new deal regarding the control of NFL Network, the league has officially decided to discontinue this dual-broadcast format.

Addressing Fan Experience

Hans Schroeder, the Executive Vice President and COO of NFL Media, acknowledged during a recent press conference that the initial strategy failed to resonate as expected. Reflecting on the partnership with Disney established five years ago, Schroeder noted that while the goal was to provide more viewing options, it ultimately created a dilemma for the audience.

«One of the things we realized with Disney collectively, when we did the deal five years ago, we thought adding two games on Monday night would be a great thing for fans. It was more free football that was outside of a Sunday afternoon. And I think we collectively struggled and realized fans felt like they were conflicted to choose between those games,» said Schroeder.

Future Scheduling Plans

With the dual-game format removed, the league is now reevaluating how to best distribute four specific games for the 2026 season. Schroeder indicated that the NFL is currently exploring various distribution methods, including both traditional broadcast networks and streaming services. Several potential scheduling opportunities are under consideration, such as:

  • Games scheduled for the night before Thanksgiving, referred to as “Thanksgiving Eve.”
  • Late-season Saturday matchups.
  • Alternative prime-time windows throughout the calendar year.

The league intends to analyze engagement metrics and fan feedback to determine the most effective placement for these broadcasts. The final assignments for the 2026 schedule are expected to be unveiled alongside the full season release, which is typically finalized in May.