As a die-hard NFL fan, I’ve long enjoyed the spectacular rivalries, hard-hitting action and, of course, intense playoff matchups. As the sport continues to draw huge crowds in stadiums and record-breaking viewership ratings, I often ask myself, “What is the average NFL game viewership?”
Well, we can look at some of the all-time high numbers to get an idea of the overall viewership. During Super Bowl LII in 2018, for example, 103.4 million viewers tuned in to watch the Eagles take on the Patriots. So as long as two highly popular teams meet in the big game, we can expect the average viewership to be around 96 million viewers.
Also, during the regular season, the average viewership for nationally televised NFL games, such as Sunday Night Football or Thursday Night Football, is around 16.5 million viewers. Again, when two highly popular teams play against each other, we can expect the average figure to be higher, but these are the general numbers.
But it’s not just the Super Bowl that draw viewers in droves. Many other playoff games have comparable numbers to the regular season. The Eagles vs. Patriots 2019 Divisional Playoff game, for instance, attracted a crowd of over 54 million viewers.
We can also take a look at the regular Sunday afternoon games. Many of them generate view rates of up to 10 million viewers, which accounts for almost 70% of all NFL games. Of all the NFC games, which are highly rated, the Cowboys vs. Packers game from 2017 managed to pull in an average viewership of over 26 million people.
Now that I’ve looked at the all-time highs and lows of NFL viewership, my next question is: how does the NFL compete against other sports leagues? The MLB seems to be the closest competitor with view rates close to 10 million, but the NBA has surged in recent years with games raking up to 15 million viewers. It’s safe to say that football is still king in the US, but the NBA is quickly catching up.
Finally, let’s not forget international viewership. Due to the NFL’s strategic partnership with broadcasters, more and more people outside the US are tuning in to watch games. This is hugely beneficial for the league, as it allows them to expand their reach to more fans.
So what’s the verdict? All in all, the average NFL game viewership is huge and there’s no denying that football is the most watched sport in the US. But other sporting leagues are certainly catching up, so if the NFL wants to stay ahead, they’ll have to work hard to maintain their position.
Next, let’s take a look at how the NFL measures-up against college football. The main difference between the two leagues is that more people tune in to watch professional football, however, college football continues to be popular with its regional audiences and viewers throughout the country.
Also, there are various factors that come into play when it comes to attracting viewers, such as season length and time slots. College football season usually starts in the summer and runs through the holidays, while the NFL season starts in the fall and ends in the winter. Furthermore, recently school time slots are proving to be more popular for college football than primetime for the NFL.
Additionally, college football offers a unique atmosphere that attracts viewers. Fans are passionate, the stadiums are always packed, and the game is known for its intense rivalries. Plus, numerous national championships are on the line, like the annual CFP (College Football Playoff).
A winning mindset is important when it comes to both college and professional football. Many players, coaches, and fans alike strive to take their favorite teams to the next level and win the big game. This is definitely something that audiences can get behind and support.
Now, let’s talk about how technology and streaming are also affecting viewership. Different platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and apps have made it easier than ever before to access NFL games, and this means more people can watch wherever and whenever they want. This is great news for the NFL, as it opens the door to new audiences and larger markets.
Furthermore, the popularity of streaming services, such as Hulu and Amazon Video, has changed the way people watch sports. These streaming platforms offer smooth playback, a variety of content, and up-to-date stats, all of which are great for NFL fans.
Finally, let’s not forget about the impact of fantasy sports. This is a great way for people to show their support for their favorite NFL teams, and it’s something that many people find highly enjoyable. Plus, it allows them to stay engaged with the season and follow the action every week.
So, what’s the bottom line? The average NFL game viewership is higher than ever before, and this is thanks to the league’s strategic partnerships, huge popularity, strong brand awareness, and ever-growing international fan base. It’s no wonder the NFL remains the go-to choice for many sports fans around the world.