Why Adam Silver Beat Roger Goodell

The reasons behind why the NBA had great timing but the NFL does not

The TV Grim Reaper account tracks the decline of the traditional television media ecosystem, often in ways that contradict more access-driven publications. The Reaper has called his shot on the following take: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell massively screwed up his TV rights negotiations.

Epic failure by Goodell. Tremendously overplayed his hand.

What’s especially intriguing about this story is that Goodell was inspired to chase a higher price for the NFL because NBA commissioner Adam Silver had recently achieved an impressive one. I’ve criticized the NBA commish for years, but right now it’s undeniable: He’s flying high, as his counterparts in other leagues are suffering struggles. Here’s why Adam Silver won and Roger Goodell lost.