Despite its relatively low overall interest, the National Football League reigns supreme when it comes to total revenue. The NFL generates about $10 billion in national broadcast revenue each year.
This number alone is impressive, but considering that the American league consists of just over 270 games per season, it is even more monumental.
More TV revenue from far fewer games
The Premier League also generates fairly similar revenue to the NFL; however, England’s top flight consists of nearly 400 matches per year. Obviously, the best teams in European competitions also play more games.
FIFA and UEFA are even expanding their calendars in the coming years. The Champions League will grow from 32 teams to 36, adding 64 new matches to the already packed schedule.
The World Cup will also expand. Beginning with the 2026 World Cup, hosted in part by the United States, the tournament will consist of 48 teams. This is an increase of 16 teams compared to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar next month.
Earlier this week, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez criticized decisions by the sport’s governing bodies to add more games to the calendar.
“We cannot understand that UEFA is increasing the number of inconsequential matches in a new model that will only serve to further alienate fans and accelerate the decline of football,” Pérez proclaimed.
Pérez even referenced the popularity of the NFL compared to its relatively light schedule. “Only the NFL, with 285 games per season, exceeds the audiovisual revenue of the Champions League, the Europa League and the five major European leagues together with more than 2,000 games a year,” Pérez continues. “There are no excuses, the data does not support discussion, soccer is clearly losing the battle of entertainment.”
While football fans may be bored with the busy schedule (little interest in Nations League matches, for example), FIFA and UEFA clearly don’t care. These organizations try to compete with the NFL by simply creating more games.
The players are also burning. Injuries are on the rise throughout sport. A recent report even suggested that injuries in the Premier League were up 20% compared to the previous season.
Photo Credit: IMAGO/Icon Sportswire
