NFL VP Mike North Tells Teams Primetime Slots Are Earned, Not Drafted

NFL Vice President of Broadcast Planning Mike North issued a stern message to teams dissatisfied with the 2026 schedule release, emphasizing that high draft picks do not guarantee national television exposure. Using the Tennessee Titans as a primary example, North noted that despite selecting quarterback Cam Ward first overall in the 2025 draft, the team failed to secure any scheduled primetime games in the subsequent season or for 2026. North stated clearly that the league does not draft its way into primetime but plays its way in. This stance reflects the economic realities faced by broadcast partners like ABC, NBC, Amazon, and ESPN, who pay billions for rights and require matchups that drive audience engagement. Consequently, established stars and proven past performance weigh heavier in scheduling decisions than the potential of unproven rookies. While the Titans remain excluded from initial primetime slots, the possibility of being flexed into these games during the season remains open if their on-field performance improves. The article highlights the league's commitment to merit-based scheduling to maximize viewership for its media partners.