The NFL landscape is about to undergo major change in these next rounds of rights allocations. After the CBA is cleared up, the league is going to open bidding for the right to broadcast their multitude of packages. The NFC, AFC, Sunday, Monday and Thursday night broadcasts will now also include a third wild-card game in each conference and the fact live sports seems to be the only thing tethering people to the corded conglomerates, the bidding is expected to bring a windfall of new revenue to the league.
CBS, wanting to make sure they don’t lose their seat at the table, went about securing the one thing separating them from their competitors; the world’s best color analyst. They have worked out a deal to retain pending free agent Tony Romo at a record number of $17 million a season.
The former record was held by the incomparable John Madden, who earned $8 million a season a couple decades ago. According to the New York Post that would be around $14 million in today’s dollars.
Romo had the opportunity to name his price, as his first contract was for three years and $10 million, but allowed CBS the right of first refusal before Romo could negotiate with another network.
It was believed ESPN was going to put together a lucrative package in order to bring Romo to their stable. There are rumors ESPN would like to broadcast Super Bowls as well, as they look to improve over the combo of Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland.
Romo began broadcasting immediately after retiring from the Dallas Cowboys as a player and the franchise leader in most every statistical category. He’s been widely accepted as the gold standard of his profession, giving insights into what pre-snap reads and formations offenses are making and taking the viewer on a more significant journey than other broadcasts.
He had instant chemistry with Jim Nantz, CBS’ star announcer who covers a wide range of sports. There have been rumors a new contract for Romo could include joining Nantz on other broadcasts, specifically golf, which Romo has a penchant for playing at competitive levels already.
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