Why Two Monday Night Football Games in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · August 6, 2050

There are two Monday Night Football games in certain weeks of the NFL season due to the league's expanded broadcast schedule, which includes additional flexible scheduling and cross-flexing options to maximize viewership and competitive balance. Starting in 2023, ESPN+ began streaming a second exclusive game each Monday night, typically featuring matchups from later in the week that are moved for better ratings.

Why Are There Two Monday Night Football Games?

The National Football League (NFL) introduced a second Monday Night Football game to expand its national television presence and increase fan engagement. This change reflects broader shifts in sports broadcasting, driven by digital streaming and demand for more live content.

Key Reasons Behind the Dual Game Schedule

Streaming Expansion: The second game is exclusively streamed on ESPN+, enhancing Disney’s direct-to-consumer strategy.
Flexible Scheduling: The NFL uses late-season flexibility to promote more competitive and relevant matchups.
Cross-Flexing: Games originally scheduled for other networks (like CBS or FOX) can be moved to Monday nights if they gain playoff implications.
Global Audience Reach: Additional games allow for broader international distribution via platforms like NFL Game Pass.
Revenue Growth: More televised games mean increased advertising and subscription revenue.

History of Monday Night Football and Recent Changes

Since its debut in 1970 on ABC, Monday Night Football has been a staple of American sports culture. Over time, it transitioned to ESPN in 2006 and now includes digital-first broadcasts.

Milestones in MNF Broadcasting

1970: First MNF broadcast on ABC.
2006: Moved exclusively to ESPN with one prime-time game per week.
2020: Introduction of Wild Card Tuesday games during playoffs.
2023: Launch of a second weekly MNF game streamed on ESPN+.
2024–2025 Season: Continued dual-game format with enhanced analytics and alternate broadcasts (e.g., Skycam, Peyton Edition).

Broadcast Structure: Traditional vs. Streaming Games

The primary Monday Night Football game airs on ESPN with full production coverage, while the secondary game is streamed digitally with limited promotional support but full play-by-play commentary.

Season	Primary Network	Streaming Game Platform	# of Dual Game Weeks	Average Viewers (Main Game)
2021	ESPN	N/A	0	9.8 million
2022	ESPN	N/A	0	10.1 million
2023	ESPN	ESPN+	10	8.7 million
2024	ESPN	ESPN+	13	8.3 million
2025	ESPN	ESPN+	14 (projected)	8.0 million (est.)

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a steady increase in dual-game weeks since 2023, coinciding with a moderate decline in traditional TV viewership. However, total audience reach—including streaming—has grown, indicating a successful shift toward digital platforms despite lower linear ratings.

Impact on Teams and Players

Having two games per Monday increases exposure for more teams, especially those not traditionally featured in primetime. Smaller-market franchises benefit from added visibility, while star players gain more national spotlight opportunities.

Player and Team Considerations

Recovery Time: Teams playing on Monday have less recovery time before their next game, potentially increasing injury risk.
Travel Logistics: Cross-country travel after a late game complicates midweek preparation.
Media Exposure: Players involved in either game receive amplified media attention, impacting endorsement value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Two Monday Night Football Games

When did the second Monday Night Football game start?

The second Monday Night Football game debuted in the 2023 NFL season, streamed exclusively on ESPN+. It was part of a new rights agreement allowing ESPN to carry additional out-of-market games digitally.

Is the second MNF game available on regular TV?

No, the second Monday Night Football game is not broadcast on traditional television. It is available only through the ESPN+ streaming service, requiring a paid subscription.

How does the NFL decide which games air on Monday nights?

The NFL uses flexible scheduling, typically finalizing Monday night matchups 12 days in advance. Priority is given to teams with strong records, playoff implications, or high fan interest. Cross-flexing allows games originally set for Sunday afternoons to move to Monday night.

Do both MNF games happen at the same time?

No, the two games are staggered. The main ESPN broadcast starts at 8:15 PM ET, while the ESPN+ exclusive game usually begins earlier at 7:15 PM ET or sometimes later at 9:00 PM ET depending on the week.

Can I watch both Monday Night Football games with an ESPN+ subscription?

Yes. An ESPN+ subscription grants access to the exclusive second game. For the main ESPN broadcast, you need a traditional TV provider login, a live TV streaming service (like YouTube TV or Hulu Live), or access via the ESPN app with authentication.