The NFL is expected to finalize a multi-year extension for commissioner Roger Goodell at next week’s owners meetings in Phoenix, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
The 64-year-old Goodell has been commissioner of the league since 2006 — second-longest among active commissioners of North America’s four largest men’s pro sports leagues behind the NHL’s Gary Bettman (1992).
Schefter reports the sides have discussed a three-year extension. He also writes it is expected to be the most lucrative deal for any commissioner in any sport.
The native of Jamestown, N.Y. started in the NFL in 1982 as an intern. He succeeded Paul Tagliabue as commissioner.
It will mark the fourth extension for Goodell as commissioner.
Schefter writes that Goodell has been praised for the NFL playing its full slate of games during the COVID-19 pandemic and for franchise values increasing dramatically under his watch.
The Denver Broncos sold for $4.5 billion last year, well up from the $600-million sale price for the last team to sell before Goodell landed the top job — the Minnesota Vikings.