NFL exploited this loophole in broadcasting rules to schedule Packers vs. Eagles in Brazil

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The NFL’s first game ever in Brazil is finally set. Two months after announcing that the Philadelphia Eagles would be serving as the home team in Brazil, the NFL revealed on Wednesday that their opponent will be the Green Bay Packers for the game, which will kick off on Friday, Sept. 6. 

The fact the game is being played in Brazil isn’t the only unique thing about the game. It’s also notable the game will be played on a FRIDAY in Week 1. The reason that’s notable is because the game will mark the first time in 54 years that the NFL has scheduled a Friday matchup during the opening week of the season. 

The last time it happened came in 1970 when the Rams beat the Cardinals, 34-13, in a game that was played on a Friday night in Los Angeles. 

One reason there’s been such a huge gap between Friday games is because it’s not easy for the NFL to schedule a Friday game during the regular season. As a matter of fact, the only reason it’s happening this year is because the league is taking advantage of a broadcasting loophole. 

Under the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, the NFL isn’t allowed to televise any games on Friday or Saturday from the second weekend in September through the second weekend in December (Those two days have been earmarked for high school and college football). This is why you don’t see any Saturday games on the NFL schedule until late in the season. 

So what does that mean for this year? 

The NFL always kicks off the season on the first Thursday after Labor Day. If Labor Day falls on Sept. 3 or later, then the first NFL weekend will be the second weekend of September and Friday games won’t be permitted, but since Labor Day is on Sept. 2 this year, that opened the door for the NFL to play on Friday (Sept. 6). 

If you’re wondering how the NFL was able to play a Black Friday game in 2023, the league also took advantage of a loophole in the broadcasting rules to make…

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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/packer-eagles-in-brazil-nfl-exploited-this-loophole-in-broadcasting-rules-to-schedule-rare-friday-game/

Author : John Breech

Publish date : 2024-04-10 20:32:54

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