The NFL was due to release its 2023 schedule on May 11, but may now delay the release, according to Peter King’s Football Morning In America column. King wrote that while the schedule is still “likely to be done” by May 11, some critical dates remained uncertain as of late last week and the league was still searching for scheduling options on its 272-game regular season slate. NFL Network’s primetime schedule release special has significant value for the channel, and a longer delay could hamper audiences and intensify leaks in the media.
King’s column also noted that the recent rule change allowing teams to play two Thursday games instead of one may lead to weaker teams failing to secure a national TV slot, while stronger teams and better drawcards get to appear twice, which would please Amazon and Al Michaels. The changes have added to the complexity of the scheduling process, which is dependent on conference, road teams and timing. The late-breaking changes in team values, with NFL stars such as Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson signing new deals with new teams, have also had a knock-on effect on scheduling options.
