NFL approves TNF flex scheduling for 2023 season
NFL owners have voted in favor of implementing flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football for the 2023 season, the league announced Monday.
Flex scheduling for Thursday prime-time games will only apply for Weeks 13-17, according to the resolution obtained by Albert Breer of the MMQB. The NFL will notify clubs at least 28 days in advance if they are flexed into the matchup.
There will be a maximum of two flexes per season, and teams cannot play more than two TNF matchups.
The proposition received 24 "yes" votes - the minimum required to implement the new rule, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Contingents for the New York Giants, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly voted against the change.
NFL owners first discussed flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football at league meetings in March, but they tabled talks until May after failing to reach an agreement. Those initial discussions drew criticism due to injury concerns and potential disruption to fans' travel plans.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier this offseason the league was trying to balance the experiences of fans in attendance and those watching on television. He also noted Thursday games don't have higher injury rates.
Hans Schroeder, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of NFL Media, told ESPN's Kevin Seifert there will be a "higher bar" for determining which games are eligible for Thursday Night Football flex scheduling.
New York Giants co-owner John Mara said he was "disappointed but certainly not surprised" by the results of Monday's vote, according to NFL Network's Judy Battista. Mara has been a vocal opponent of flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football, stating in March that the proposition is "abusive" to season-ticket holders.
Amazon Prime Video became the exclusive broadcaster of Thursday Night Football starting in 2022.
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