The Athletic Nears Blockbuster NFL Media Deal
The Athletic in Talks to Provide Content to NFL Media Properties
By Ryan Glasspiegel and Mark Maske | Published August 21, 2026 | 2-minute read
What’s Happening?
The Athletic (a popular sports journalism website) and NFL Media (the league’s official media arm) have been having conversations. The idea? The Athletic would supply news stories, analysis, and other content to NFL-owned platforms like NFL.com.
Important Point
This is currently in the "discussion phase" – no final deal has been announced yet.
Who Are the Players?
The Athletic
- A subscription-based sports news site founded in 2016
- Known for in-depth reporting, long-form articles, and no ads
- Covers local teams deeply in many cities
- Owned by The New York Times (since 2022)
NFL Media
- The league’s in-house media company
- Runs NFL.com, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and the NFL app
- Produces official league content, highlights, and analysis
Why Would They Partner?
| The Athletic Gets… | NFL Media Gets… |
|---|---|
| Massive audience reach (millions of NFL.com visitors) | High-quality journalism from respected reporters |
| New subscribers discovering their work | Fresh content beyond official league messaging |
| Brand exposure on the league’s main platforms | Credibility boost from independent journalism |
How Would This Work? (If It Happens)
- Content sharing agreement negotiated between both sides
- The Athletic articles appear on NFL.com / NFL app
- Clear labeling so readers know it’s from The Athletic
- Possible revenue sharing (subscription referrals, ad revenue, or flat fees)
- Editorial independence maintained (critical for credibility)
What This Could Mean for Fans
- More quality reading on NFL.com (not just press releases)
- Deeper analysis from reporters who cover teams daily
- Potential paywall issues – some Athletic content might still require subscription
- One-stop shop for highlights + serious journalism
Questions People Are Asking
Will The Athletic lose its independence?
Probably not. Partnerships like this usually include editorial freedom clauses. The Athletic’s value is its independent voice.
Is this a merger or acquisition?
No. This is a content licensing deal – like a TV show airing on a network. The Athletic stays owned by The New York Times.
When would this start?
Unknown. Talks are ongoing. Deals like this can take weeks or months to finalize.
Will all Athletic NFL content move to NFL.com?
Unlikely. Probably a selection of articles. The Athletic still needs premium content for its paying subscribers.
Why does the NFL want outside journalists?
Credibility. League-run media can feel like "PR." Independent reporters add trust and depth.
Summary
- The Athletic and NFL Media are talking about a content partnership
- The Athletic would provide journalism to NFL.com and related platforms
- No deal signed yet – still in discussion phase
- Could give fans better reading on official NFL sites
- Both sides have clear incentives to make it work
- Editorial independence would be key to success
Final Thought
This potential partnership reflects a bigger trend: leagues wanting premium content and media companies wanting distribution. If done right, fans win with better access to quality football journalism – all in one place.
Stay tuned to Front Office Sports for updates on this developing story.