The NFL’s grip on American television remains unshakable, but even the league isn’t immune to the occasional stumble. In 2024, NFL viewership dipped slightly, averaging 17.5 million viewers per game across all networks- a 2% decline from the record-setting 17.9 million in 2023. So, what’s behind this surprising drop?
Let’s dive into what caused this surprising slip and how the NFL still managed to hold onto its fans.
Amazon Shines Bright Amid the Decline
While overall viewership saw a minor slip, Amazon’s Thursday Night Football told a different story. The platform recorded an 11% year-over-year increase, averaging 13.2 million viewers. Including the buzzworthy Black Friday game, that growth jumped to 13%, marking Amazon as a rising player in NFL broadcasting. These numbers highlight the league’s successful partnership with streaming platforms and its ability to cater to tech-savvy audiences.
NBC’s Sunday Night Football Sees Modest Gains
NBC had reason to celebrate in 2024, with Sunday Night Football averaging 21.6 million viewers—a 1% increase from 2023. Digital streaming on Peacock and NBCSports.com played a significant role, with a massive 38% jump in viewership on these platforms. This demonstrates how streaming continues to enhance traditional broadcasts, appealing to a younger, more digitally inclined demographic.
In the face of another attention-gobbling election cycle, the NFL held onto its audience. Deliveries slipped 2%* YOY—which works out to a loss of ~400,000 viewers/week. In 2016, the drop was 8%, as 1.6M viewers checked out.
— Anthony Crupi (@crupicrupicrupi) January 8, 2025
*NB: overall TV usage is down 9%https://t.co/Wp5TlK7SJi
Fox and ESPN Face Challenges
Fox’s NFL broadcasts averaged 18.4 million viewers, down 3% from the previous year. Despite this decline, its flagship program, America’s Game of the Week, remained the top NFL broadcast, drawing a staggering 23.9 million viewers.
ESPN’s Monday Night Football had a bittersweet year. The network celebrated its second-best season in 24 years, but it also experienced a 14% drop compared to 2023. This dip was primarily due to the absence of simulcasts on ABC, which had bolstered viewership the previous year.
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Also Read: How Did The NFL Dominate American TV Ratings In 2024?
Netflix Makes a Splash
Netflix entered the NFL scene in 2024 with a Christmas doubleheader that drew over 24 million viewers. This experiment underscored the NFL’s willingness to explore new platforms, even as it maintains dominance on traditional networks. The successful debut suggests Netflix could become a bigger player in NFL broadcasting in the coming years.
Thanksgiving’s Big Win
Thanksgiving remains a ratings juggernaut for the NFL. The late-afternoon game between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys was the season’s most-watched matchup, attracting a massive audience despite both teams’ losing records. This game was yet another reminder that the NFL’s appeal transcends team performance.
Election Year Effect
The 2024 Presidential Election also played a role in the slight viewership dip. Historically, election years see temporary declines in NFL ratings as audiences split their attention between politics and sports. However, the league still dominated the broadcast landscape, claiming 70 of the top 100 telecasts, including 13 of the top 15. The only non-NFL entries in this elite group were September’s Presidential Debate and March’s Oscars.
🚨2024 @NFL Regular Season Viewership🚨
— NFL Media (@NFLMedia) January 8, 2025
*187 million people watched games during the 2024 regular season
*17.5 million average viewers per game
*NFL games ranked as 90 of the top 100 shows on TV pic.twitter.com/HOTSbOICu3
Context: Comparing to 2023’s Record-Breaking Season
To fully understand 2024’s numbers, looking at the context is important. The 2023 NFL season was one of the most-watched in league history, with a 7% increase in viewership. Coming off such a strong year, a slight dip in 2024 was almost inevitable.
Adaptability Remains the NFL’s Strength
Despite a small decline, the league proved its adaptability across platforms. Traditional broadcasts continue to dominate, but the league’s push into digital streaming is paying off in big ways. Platforms like Peacock, Amazon, and even Netflix are driving growth, ensuring the NFL remains a powerhouse on American screens.
Even in a year with fierce competition from politics and award shows, the NFL’s dominance is unmatched. No matter the challenges, the league’s ability to captivate millions remains unrivaled.
Also Read: How Much Does NFL+ And NFL+ Premium Streaming Service Cost?
