NFL ratings down 16% over last years Thursday night opener

[Catonahottinroof]

Can’t say that I am surprised....

https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-ratings-initial-results-show-decline-for-kc-houston-kickoff-game-162037891.html

[VirginiaCat]

following the NBA model...

[Doc]

It should be noted this is TV rating so COVID has nothing to do with it. I noted in another thread that the political input has soured many many fans. Athletes want a forum to voice their opinions, and the fans have responded...and will continue to respond. Other sports should heed the warning.

[kingcat]

I dont doubt it.

Still, other things may also play a part.
For me, I have adjusted to having no sports and watching TV with the wife. I did not watch one NBA game, instead choosing to continue to binge watch programing as we have for months now.
And a year ago, that would not have been the case.

I do keep up with the games in other ways.

I feel we must accept it will never be the same as it was before. People's values have changed drastically and the importance of sporting events has taken a back seat regardless of the peripheral stuff.

[catmanjack]

Their values have changed so much that now there are professional rioters, so what cause are they voicing their opinion to?
Strange concept.

[Catonahottinroof]

Folks need a getaway from the 9-5 and other nonsense. Particularly political nonsense. Every sport that has engaged in the political has seen a ratings drop.
Given that this was the defending Super Bowl champion on the field, it probably should have drawn a very good audience.

[Basket Case]

Here is a pretty objective synopsis of the general view of the professional sports industry.

Gallup (https://news.gallup.com/poll/319256/farming-rises-sports-tumbles-industry-ratings.aspx)

"The biggest slide, however, has been for the sports industry, with its positive score falling 15 points -- from 45% to 30%."

This will ultimately hurt athletes bank accounts.

[KeithKSR]

People watch sports, movies and TV to be entertained and take their minds off things, not to be submerged into someone’s political thoughts.

[CitizenBBN]

As has been said, sports is an escape for people. The last thing they want is for sports to continue to remind them of their struggles or the problems of the world.

Athletes may not like that, but that's how it is, and no other employee doing their job gets to use that job as a platform for their politics. Most any business requires people to leave their personal views, politics, etc. at the door and go do their job.

Comedians, actors, etc. all develop this sense that people come to see them not to be entertained but b/c of them personally, and thus they must want to hear their views on everything under the sun. Athletes seem to have developed this same self-absorbed viewpoint.

Like it or not, fans want to get away from these issues, not be beaten over the head with them at a sporting event.

If they can't get that escape from sports they will likely do as I am doing and just finding other things to do. Cooking out, spending time with family, go boating, camping, whatever. I'd rather be out on my patio with a cocktail than being forced to watch 60 Minutes Lite.

[catmanjack]

Can’t even watch Tennis without getting reminded that the police need to be defunded!

[MickintheHam]

When you can’t beat out the Legal Field, you’re not even trying.

[dan_bgblue]

This will ultimately hurt athletes bank accounts.

The sooner the better

[catmanjack]

I totally agree Dan, they need to bust the union like the auto industry did.

[VirginiaCat]

30% Drop in Sunday Night Football viewing. Not seen the Monday night numbers yet.

[Darryl]

I am very disappointed that the numbers aren’t worse; lotta idiotic Americans out there.

Darryl