NFL owners have begun preparing for the next round of discussions about overtime rules. These were under scrutiny following one of the greatest playoff games ever. Another possibility is that something could be in the making.

Rich McKay of the Atlanta Falcons, President and Chief Executive said that there was a lot to be done about overtime. 

From Saturday through Wednesday, the NFL’s annual meetings will be held in Palm Beach. It brings together team owners, coach staff, presidents and managers in one spot to discuss game operations and business. 

Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner will receive many inquiries about league media agreements. Minor renewals could occur for assets like radio rights and ticketing. NFL team owners will also debate amending Rule 16 – known as the overtime rule.

The rule permits each team to have the ball for extra play except if the kickoff is scored by the winning side. The opposing team can match or score the touchdown or score if the first drive ends in a field goal. If there is a turnover the winning team wins.

These discussions about overtime are more than two years after the 2021 NFL playoffs which saw six games be decided by less than three goals. 

In overtime, the Kansas City Chiefs won against Buffalo Bills 42-36 in January 2022. Following a spectacular comeback, Chiefs scored their first touchdown to eliminate the Bills. Criticisms of overtime rules said that the Bills should’ve had the chance to match Chiefs’ touchdown. A new campaign was launched to amend the rule.

Last time the NFL modified overtime was at its March 2010 meetingsIt was in Orlando that the format changed for playoffs. It was during the March 2012 annual meetingsThe owners approved that the format be extended to the regular season.

Owners will discuss the proposal of the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts to have possessions in overtime for each team, regardless of whether they score a touchdown on their first possession. Clubs cite competitive equity as the reason behind this change.

The Tennessee Titans also want the rule changed – slightly.

According to the Titans proposal, the Titans proposed that any team scoring a touchdown on its opening drive must also convert two points in order win. 

McKay was the Chairman of the NFL’s Competition Committee. He said that “data and analysis” supports a Rule 16 change. McKay pointed out that 12 overtimes have taken place since the new rule was adopted. Additionally, he noted that 10 of the 10 coin-toss winners had won. Seven of the seven victories were scored on the initial drive. Chiefs win included. 

McKay stated, “That’s why we’re having a discussion about a rule modification.”

McKay admits that amending the overtime rules requires 24 owners to approve a proposal. Competitiveness could be affected by the rule changes proposed by Eagles and Colts. Both teams could be granted automatic possession, which can prolong games and raise the chance of injuries. 

The current overtime rule already allows both teams a chance for a possession – should the defense stop the offense on the first possession.

The coaches sub-committee will provide feedback to team owners during the debates.  

McKay indicated that voting to amend the rule would have to be taken in a single vote. McKay said that if Rule 16 is changed by the league, McKay would suggest the Titans’ plan.

“If you feel like your defense is tired – you’ve scored, they’ve already scored – you have that opportunity to win the game at that point by going for two, which I think the analytics department believes many would,” McKay said.

McKay stated, “That is the conversation we will have when you get to Palm Beach.”

It’s highly unlikely that the NFL’s team owners will make decisions on any significant media assets, such as the Sunday Ticket package, on the business side of the NFL. The Sunday Ticket package will be available for purchase on March 16. CNBC reportedThe 2022 season would see a decision about the $2.5 Billion media package.

You can also expect to hear more about possible investment partners for NFL Media’s media arm. It operates NFL Network and NFL RedZone as well as NFL.com, NFL.com, NFL.com, and international properties of the NFL. It is unclear how much it might net.

The NFL’s are a good example of smaller deals that can be made at these meetings. satellite radio rightsWith Liberty Media-SiriusXM radio and network rights owned by Cumulus Media’s Westwood One. Although it is unclear what the value of these deals might be, Westwood One was reportedly the NFL’s 2009 renewal. It reportedly received more than $30,000,000 annually.

According to industry sources, the NFL’s agreement with Ticketmaster remains on the table. This is the league’s second renewal agreement in 2017It grants Ticketmaster rights to the league’s ticket resale market. Sports Business Journal said that renewals are possible.

CNBC did not receive a request from Westwood One or Ticketmaster to comment about their NFL partnership.

Additionally, the NFL wants to reach agreements with other parties before 2022. These include its Super Bowl Halftime Show rights. Pepsi licenses. CNBC reported that NFL was established in October 2021. seeking $25 million to $50 millionEach year for this asset. It is possible to purchase wine or champagne rights from the NFL.

The NFL Club Presidents will have a better understanding of a brand new asset. NFL teams were allowed to play on Tuesday to seek blockchain sponsorshipsPlatforms like Coinbase, FTX.