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NFL Viewership Soars on New Metrics
27 Nov
Summary
- Average viewership is up 6% this season with 17.7M tuning in.
- New Nielsen system includes out-of-home and streaming viewership.
- Several games this season have set new viewership records.
The NFL continues its reign as a dominant media force, with average viewership climbing 6% to 17.7 million through Week 11. This season's success is bolstered by Nielsen's updated measurement system, which now includes out-of-home and streaming viewing, providing a more comprehensive audience picture. Despite expectations of a viewership lift due to the new metrics, the league has consistently surpassed them with record-breaking games.
The league has seen remarkable viewership for key matchups, including the Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl rematch averaging 33.8 million viewers. The excitement is further amplified by a resurgence in competitive games, with 12 games going into overtime so far this season, compared to 16 for the entire previous year. This parity has reintroduced intrigue, even affecting traditionally strong teams and creating compelling playoff races.
Beyond traditional broadcasts, the NFL is a critical driver for streaming services. Platforms like Paramount+, Peacock, and YouTube TV have seen significant subscriber acquisition fueled by exclusive league rights and packages like NFL Sunday Ticket. This multi-platform strategy, encompassing streaming and mobile viewing via NFL+, ensures the league's continued appeal across diverse media landscapes.
