--- title: "Murdoch: No NFL Tension as Fox Adds Two 2026 Games" description: "Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch assures a smooth partnership with the NFL while expanding the 2026 schedule with two more nationally‑televised games." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/fox-s-lachlan-murdoch-claims-there-s-really-no-tension-wit-mp2g2qrm published: 2026-05-12T09:23:30+00:00 updated: 2026-05-13T12:49:35.325+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["football"] --- # Murdoch: No NFL Tension as Fox Adds Two 2026 Games > Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch assures a smooth partnership with the NFL while expanding the 2026 schedule with two more nationally‑televised games. Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch told reporters there is “really no tension” with the NFL, and announced the network will expand its 2026 broadcast slate with two additional nationally‑televised games. The addition brings Fox’s football footprint to 13 regular‑season contests, matching its 2024‑2025 commitment and reinforcing the league’s multi‑year partnership with the broadcaster. Murdoch emphasized that negotiations have been “smooth and collaborative,” and that the games will feature the league’s marquee matchups to attract advertisers. The move comes as the NFL finalizes its next round of media deals, with Fox competing against CBS, NBC and Amazon for premium slots. By securing extra games early, Fox aims to lock in valuable inventory, while the league benefits from broader exposure across the network’s primetime slots. Analysts view this as a calculated play: Fox gets to showcase its production muscle in high‑stakes matchups, while the NFL diversifies its broadcast distribution beyond traditional partners like ESPN and CBS. The NFL’s media strategy has increasingly favored flexibility, allowing teams to play in prime time on multiple outlets. Fox’s expansion aligns with this trend, giving the league more control over scheduling and maximizing fan engagement across different markets. The two new games will likely feature divisional clashes or late‑season showdowns, where on‑field stakes and marketability are highest. Analysts see the announcement as a stabilizing signal for the league’s broadcast ecosystem, suggesting that Fox will retain a strong foothold in NFL coverage and that the partnership will continue to deliver revenue and viewership growth for both parties. The early commitment also pressures rivals like CBS and NBC to lock in their own extensions, potentially reshaping the next round of NFL media deals. What’s next: Murdoch said Fox will roll out the 2026 schedule later this summer, with the new games slated for prime‑time windows and potential cross‑promotion with the network’s NFL studio programming. ## Why this matters The NFL’s broadcast landscape hinges on reliable partners that can deliver national audiences and advertising dollars. Murdoch’s reassurance of a tension‑free relationship and the addition of two more games signal continuity and financial stability for the league, while giving Fox a stronger foothold in the competitive sports market. This alignment helps both entities lock in revenue streams, preserve fan access, and set the stage for future negotiations across the league’s media ecosystem. By locking in games early, Fox also forces competitors to react, potentially driving up rights fees in the next negotiation cycle and ensuring the NFL remains the most lucrative property in U.S. sports broadcasting. ## Frequently asked ### What specific games is Fox adding for the 2026 season? Fox announced two extra nationally‑televised games for 2026, but the exact matchups and dates remain to be finalized. The network plans to slot them into prime‑time windows to maximize viewership. ### Why does the NFL care about adding games to Fox’s package? Each additional game expands the league’s national exposure, boosts advertising revenue, and reinforces the multi‑year broadcast partnership that underpins the NFL’s financial model. ### How will this affect Fox’s overall sports programming? The extra NFL slots deepen Fox’s football portfolio, giving the network more premium live content to sell to advertisers and cross‑promote with its NFL studio shows, strengthening its overall sports brand. ### Could this move influence the NFL’s next media rights deals? Yes. By locking in games early and demonstrating strong ratings potential, Fox strengthens its negotiating position for the next round of NFL media rights, which could pressure CBS, NBC, and Amazon to offer more competitive bids. ### Will Fox’s expanded NFL slate include international games? Fox has not announced any international games as part of this expansion. The focus remains on nationally‑televised regular‑season matchups within the U.S. ### How does this compare to Fox’s 2024‑2025 NFL schedule? The 2026 slate mirrors Fox’s 2024‑2025 commitment of 13 regular‑season games, maintaining consistency in the network’s NFL footprint while adding two more marquee matchups for the upcoming season. ## Sources & Citations - [Fox's Lachlan Murdoch claims there's "really no tension" with the NFL](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/foxs-lachlan-murdoch-claims-theres-really-no-tension-with-the-nfl) — Pro Football Talk (2026-05-12) --- Cite: Murdoch: No NFL Tension as Fox Adds Two 2026 Games. Sportopod, 2026-05-12. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/fox-s-lachlan-murdoch-claims-there-s-really-no-tension-wit-mp2g2qrm