By Everdeen Mason 
 

The National Football League reached a deal with CBS Corp. (CBS) on the broadcast rights to a package of 16 mostly Thursday night games for the 2014 season.

Financial terms were not disclosed. Under the deal, CBS will produce all 16 telecasts but only air eight early-season games. The NFL Network will simulcast the first eight games and then televise the last eight games.

The deal shows the power of the NFL as it will displace, at least temporarily, one of the most popular scripted shows on television, CBS' "The Big Bang Theory," which airs on Thursday nights.

"The NFL represents the best premium content there is," CBS Chief Executive Leslie Moonves said in a news release. CBS already owns the rights to the NFL's package of Sunday American Football Conference games.

The agreement announced Wednesday is for a combination of games that include 14 on Thursday nights and two late-season games on Saturday. CBS' lead NFL broadcasters, Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, will announce all 16 games.

Under the agreement, the NFL has an option to extend the partnership an additional year after the 2014 season.

CBS shares, up 38% over the past year, recently rose 45 cents to $58.32.

Write to Everdeen Mason at everdeen.mason@wsj.com

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