The NFL simply hit an 8-year scores excessive, thanks in no small half to Taylor Swift’s attendance at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs video games to assist boyfriend Travis Kelce.
Taylor Swift’s attendance at a number of Kansas Metropolis Chiefs video games in assist of boyfriend and tight finish Travis Kelce has had a rippling impact throughout her fan base and that of the NFL. In accordance with Nielsen knowledge, a mean of 17.9 million folks tuned in to observe NFL video games this season, a 7% enhance from the 12 months earlier, and the very best common season common since 2015.
NFL video games haven’t any downside gaining important viewership, typically dominating different programming — however this 12 months was extra important because of the lack of latest scripted tv content material in the course of the actors’ and writers’ guild strikes. This, coupled with Taylor Swift’s attendance at quite a few Chiefs video games, which led a surge in viewership from a non-target demographic (learn: Swifties), spelled gangbuster scores for NFL-airing networks throughout each tv and streaming.
NBC’s Sunday Night time Soccer noticed a mean viewers enhance by 8% to 21.4 million viewers, which incorporates simulcasts on Peacock. Disney’s ESPN’s Monday Night time Soccer noticed an almost 30% enhance in viewership, with a mean of 17.4 million — however a number of of these video games additionally aired on sister community ABC, which has a bigger attain than ESPN.
Amazon’s Thursday Night time Soccer protection noticed almost 12 million viewers, a 24% enhance this season, however scores are nonetheless noticeably decrease than when the identical video games aired on Fox. Nonetheless, Fox’s common viewers for Sunday afternoon video games was down 2%, with much less compelling regional video games within the afternoon time slots, however a 2% enhance in its nationwide sport common.
CBS’ Thanksgiving protection of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders sport introduced in 41.8 million viewers because the most-watched match of the season. The community’s common viewers elevated by 5% to 19.3 million viewers.
The NFL’s expanded efforts on digital platforms have additionally helped to extend its total viewership, with unique offers with Amazon’s Prime Video and NBC’s Peacock.