Skip to main content

NFL denies report about adding Thursday night games

Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL say they aren't thinking about adding Thursday games. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL claim they aren't thinking about adding Thursday games. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

A story in Wednesday's Wall Street Journal said the NFL is considering adding to its weekly Thursday night package, possibly as a doubleheader.

The idea would be to add more viewers to the NFL Network or increase revenue by selling the extra game to the highest bidder.

But the league says the report isn't true, according to a tweet from NFL senior vice president of public relations Greg Aiello.

BANKS: Kubiak shows he's out of answers in Houston

According to the WSJ story, the idea has been floated to some TV executives.

"The process is still in the preliminary phase, (a) person familiar with the league’s strategy said. Executives have discussed the issue with media outlets but the league isn’t shopping a specific package and no formal offers have been received, the person said. "Adding another several hours of football on Thursday nights would have significant implications in the TV industry. Thursdays have historically been a big night for advertisers like auto makers and movie studios looking to promote weekend openings. As a result broadcast networks put some of their best shows on that night."