In today’s world, televised NFL games are a staple of American culture.  Every year, from September to February, millions of Americans gather to cheer their favorite team to a hopeful victory, but in the formative years of the NFL, this was not the case.

On this day, January 24, in 1964, the television network CBS purchased the exclusive television rights for the 1964 and 1965 seasons for $28.2 million.  CBS began its relationship with the NFL in the 1950s, where the network televised a few select games. In the 1960s, the NFL was just beginning to emerge as a popular force and CBS realized more NFL programming was a lucrative opportunity.  By purchasing rights to all NFL games, CBS would play a large role in the future success of the NFL.

The emerging popularity of the NFL in 1964 and 1965 would allow for a merger between the NFL and AFL in 1966. Although CBS would not be able to maintain exclusive rights to NFL television games, the network has continued to broadcast NFL games to this day.