The National Football League (NFL) is entering a new era, but one that looks remarkably similar to the old one.
The 2022 season will bring the first change from the league’s new domestic broadcast deals which saw basically every package remain with the same network. The only difference for now is that Thursday night games will solely be on Amazon, with no more coverage on traditional TV after Prime Video stepped up its commitment and took the rights exclusively. The league’s agreements with its other media rights partners are set to come into effect next campaign.
Rather than bombard its loyal fanbase with a host of changes all at the same time, the NFL has instead introduced those incrementally. In the last few years we have seen the number of regular season games grow to 17, postseason expansion, playoff games on ESPN, the creep of streaming, experimental broadcasts and even the introduction of league-sanctioned betting. This is a new era which has very much been introduced via stealth.
In addition to the increased revenues it will eventually receive from the new broadcast deals, the latest new toy is NFL+. Sitting within the NFL app, the league’s new direct-to-consumer (DTC) service not only steps up to replace former mobile live game rights partners in the US, but also the Game Pass over-the-top (OTT) platform. It is a vintage NFL move under commissioner Roger Goodell, measured to the point of caution.
It is for others to make predictions about what will happen on the field, but if there is one prediction to be made about the NFL this season it is that this is a fork-in-the-road moment for embracing streaming. In addition to Amazon’s exclusive Thursday night games and the rollout of NFL+, the decision to award Sunday Ticket is due imminently. Apple, Google and ESPN, along with Amazon, have all been linked with taking the out-of-market package to a digital platform. Goodell says DirecTV’s successor will be named in the autumn.
What else is different this year? Well, several key partners have adjusted their deals, with both Pepsi and Anheuser-Busch InBev scaling back their Super Bowl sponsorships, leaving major inventory for the NFL to sell ahead of its showpiece next February. Pepsi’s decision to give up its halftime show sponsorship, in particular, will mean a very different look for whichever brand succeeds the soft drinks giant.
With the pandemic now firmly in the rearview mirror, international expansion is also back on the NFL agenda. This season will see the first regular season game in Germany, with former World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper brought in to oversee an expanded European operation. The league also returns to Mexico City as part of a five-game International Series, which will also see three games at two stadiums in London.
For the first time teams have also been given permission to market themselves overseas. The International Home Marketing Areas (IHMA) programme has been in full swing during the off-season with franchises striking their first deals in newly-acquired territory. Unsurprisingly, the UK, Germany and Mexico have been the focus, but new team partnerships have been struck as far afield as China and New Zealand.
America’s game is back, but it is spreading the star-spangled banner further than ever before.
Commissioner: Roger Goodell Chief media and business officer: Brian Rolapp Chief revenue officer: Renie Anderson EVP of communications, public affairs and policy: Jeff Miller Chief marketing officer: Tim Ellis VP and general manager, sports betting: David Highhill Head of Europe and UK: Brett Gosper General manager, Germany: Alexander Steinforth
Welcome to the official pep rally for #Kickoff2022. Let the games begin on 9.8.22. pic.twitter.com/xR8SKxuitA
Note: All valuations are from Forbes. Sponsorship values have been officially disclosed or reported. Average attendance figures were reported by ESPN. Social media data, which includes Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, is from Conviva.
Valuation: US$3.9 billion (19th) Principal owner: Steve Bisciotti President: Sashi Brown Home venue: M&T Bank Stadium (70,745) Average attendance 2021: 70,537 Arena operator: In-house franchise operation on behalf of Maryland Stadium Authority Stadium naming rights partner: M&T Bank (US$6 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2027) Other key partners: Under Armour, Budweiser, Caesars Entertainment, Coca-Cola, Horseshoe casino, McCormick, MedStar Health, Molson Coors, Southwest Airlines, Toyota, Verizon Local broadcasters: WBAL (preseason and NBC TV affiliate), WJZ-TV (CBS TV affiliate), WBFF-TV (Fox affiliate), WIYY, WBAL (English radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 5.8 million
Valuation: US$3 billion (32nd) Principal owner: Michael Brown President: Michael Brown Home venue: Paycor Stadium (65,515) Average attendance 2021: 60,325 Arena operator: In-house operation on behalf of Hamilton County, Ohio Stadium naming rights partner: Paycor (up to US$10 million per year, signed 2022, expires 2038) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Fifth Third Bank, Geico, McDonalds, PepsiCo, Molson Coors Local broadcasters: WKRC-TV (preseason and CBS TV affiliate), WXIX (Fox TV affiliate), WLWT (NBC TV affiliate), 700 WLW, WEBN 102.7, ESPN 1530 (English radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 3.7 million
Valuation: US$3.85 billion (21st) Principal owner: Dee and Jimmy Haslam Executive vice president: JW Johnson Home venue: FirstEnergy Stadium (67,431) Average attendance 2021: 67,431 Arena operator: In-house franchise operation on behalf of the City of Cleveland Stadium naming rights partner: FirstEnergy (US$6 million a year, signed 2013, expires 2029) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bally’s Interactive, CrossCountry Mortgage, KeyCorp, Keurig Dr Pepper, Meijer, Progressive, Root Insurance, Sherwin Williams, University Hospitals Local broadcasters: WEWS, WKYC-TV (preseason, NBC and ESPN TV affiliate), WOIO (CBS TV affiliate), WJW (Fox TV affiliate), WKNR-AM, WKRK-FM, WNCX-FM (English radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 4.4 million
The Cleveland Browns made the controversial decision to award Deshaun Watson a US$230 million contract despite the quarterback being accused of sexual assault and sexual misconduct
Valuation: US$3.975 billion (17th) Principal owner: Rooney family President: Arthur J Rooney II Home venue: Acrisure Stadium (68,400) Average attendance 2021: 60,488 Arena operator: Dual tenant operation with the University of Pittsburgh on behalf of Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Stadium naming rights partner: Acrisure (‘more than’ US$10 million per year, signed 2022, expires 2037) Other key partners: 84 Lumber, Anheuser-Busch InBev, FedEx, Ford, Giant Eagle, Kraft Heinz, Molson Coors, Peoples Gas, PepsiCo, PNC Financial Services, US Steel, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Local broadcasters: KDKA-TV (preseason and CBS TV affiliate), WPGH-TV (Fox TV affiliate), WPXI (NBC TV affiliate), WTAE-TV (ESPN/ABC TV affiliate), WDVE, WBGG (English radio), Steelers en Español (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: Mexico Social media following: 13.1 million
Valuation: US$3.4 billion (29th) Principal owner: Terry and Kim Pegula Chief operating officer: Ron Raccuia Home venue: Highmark Stadium (71,608) Average attendance 2021: 67,816 Arena operator: Pegula Sports and Enternainment Stadium naming rights partner: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York (value not reported, signed 2021, expires 2031) Other key partners: Acronis, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Aquafina, Bose, Bud Light, Caesars Sportsbook, Dunn Tire, ECMC, FanDuel, Gatorade, Independent Health, Kaleida Health, Labatt Blue Light, M&T Bank, Pepsi, Procter & Gamble, Seneca Resorts & Casinos, Tim Hortons, Toshiba, Toyota, Visa Local broadcasters: WIVB-TV (preseason and CBS affiliate in Buffalo), WUTV (Fox TV affiliate in Buffalo), WGRZ (NBC TV affiliate in Buffalo), WGR-AM (English radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 3.5 million
Valuation: US$4.6 billion (13th) Principal owner: Stephen Ross Chief executive: Tom Garfinkel Home venue: Hard Rock Stadium (64,767) Average attendance 2021: 64,374 Arena operator: Franchise owned and operated Stadium naming rights partner: Hard Rock (US$250 million total, signed 2016, expires 2034) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, AutoNation, Baptist Health South Florida, Breakthru Beverage Group, Dell Technologies, Lexus, PepsiCo, Publix Super Markets, Socios.com, Sokin, Ticketmaster, Truist Financial, Ultimate Kronos Group, Verizon Local broadcasters: WFOR (preseason and CBS TV affiliate in Miami/Fort Lauderdale), WSVN (Fox TV affiliate in Miami/Fort Lauderdale), WTVJ (NBC TV affiliate in Miami/Fort Lauderdale), WQAM, WKIS (English radio in Miami/Fort Lauderdale), WNMA (Spanish radio in Miami/Fort Lauderdale) International marketing rights: Brazil Social media following: 4.7 million
Valuation: US$6.4 billion (2nd) Principal owner: Robert Kraft President: Jonathan Kraft Home venue: Gillette Stadium (65,878) Average attendance 2021: 65,878 Arena operator: Kraft Group Stadium naming rights partner: Gillette (US$8 million per year, extended 2010, expires 2031) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bank of America, Bose, Dell Technologies, DraftKings, Encore Boston Harbor, Fanatics, Globalization Partners, JetBlue Airways, PepsiCo, Optum, Verizon Local broadcasters: WBZ-TV (preseason and CBS TV affiliate), WFXT-TV (Fox TV affiliate), WBTS-CD (NBC TV affiliate), WCVB-TV (ESPN/ABC affiliate), WBZ-FM (English radio) International marketing rights: Germany Social media following: 16.4 million
Valuation: US$5.4 billion (7th) Principal owners: Johnson family President: Hymie Elhai Home venue: MetLife Stadium (82,500) Average attendance 2021: 71,676 Arena operator: MetLife Stadium Company Stadium naming rights partner: MetLife (Up to US$20 million per year, signed 2011, expires 2036) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Atlantic Health System, Constellation Brands, Dell, Fubo Sportsbook, Jackpocket, JetBlue Airways, NRG Energy, MGM Resorts, PepsiCo, SAP, Sportradar, Ticketmaster, Toyota, Verizon, Waitr, Wynn Resorts Local broadcasters: WCBS-TV (preseason and CBS TV affiliate), WNYW (Fox TV affiliate), WNBC (NBC TV affiliate), WABC-TV (ESPN/ABC TV affiliate), WQBK-FM (English radio) International marketing rights: United Kingdom Social media following: 4 million
Valuation: US$4.7 billion (11th) Principal owner: Janice McNair Chief executive: Cal McNair Home venue: NRG Stadium (72,220) Average attendance 2021: 66,811 Arena operator: ASM Global Stadium naming rights partner: NRG (US$300 million total, signed 2000, expires 2032) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, BHP Group, BitWallet, BMW, Caesars Entertainment, Chevron, Coca-Cola, Ford, HEB Grocery Stores, Houston Methodist Leading Medicine, Hyundai, Molson Coors, Texas Dow Employees Credit Union, Verizon Local broadcasters: KTRK-TV (preseason and ABC affiliate in Houston), KHOU (CBS TV affiliate in Houston), KRIV (Fox TV affiliate in Houston), KPRC-TV (NBC TV affiliate in Houston), KILT-FM (English radio), KLOL (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: Mexico Social media following: 5.4 million
Valuation: US$3.8 billion (22nd) Principal owner: James Irsay Chief operating officer: Pete Ward Home venue: Lucas Oil Stadium (67,000) Average attendance 2021: 62,475 Arena operator: Capital Improvement Board of Managers of Marion County, Indiana Stadium naming rights partner: Lucas Oil (US$6.1 million a year, signed 2006, expires 2026) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Caesars Entertainment, Carrier, Coca-Cola, Esports Entertainment Group, FedEx, Indiana University Health, Meijer, Stanley Security, Toyota, Verizon, Wynn Resorts Local broadcasters: WXIN (preseason and Fox TV affiliate in Indianapolis), WTTV (CBS TV affiliate in Indianapolis), WTHR (NBC TV affiliate in Indianapolis), WFNI and WLHK (English radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 4.2 million
Valuation: US$3.475 billion (28th) Principal owner: Shahid Khan President: Mark Lamping Home venue: TIAA Bank Field (67,814) Average attendance 2021: 59,968 Arena operator: ASM Global Stadium naming rights partner: TIAA Bank (Original US$43 million deal signed in 2014 by EverBank, name changed 2018, deal expires 2024) Other key partners: Baptist Health, Daily’s Cocktails, Dream Finders Homes, Fields Auto Group, FIS, Gallagher, Miller Electric Company, Publix Local broadcasters: WJAX-TV (preseason and CBS TV affiliate), WFOX-TV (preseason and Fox TV affiliate), WTLV (NBC TV affiliate), WJXL (English radio) International marketing rights: United Kingdom Social media following: 2.1 million
Valuation: US$3.5 billion (27th) Principal owner: Amy Adams Strunk President and chief executive: Burke Nihill Home venue: Nissan Stadium (69,143) Average attendance 2021: 68,566 Arena operator: Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Stadium naming rights partner: Nissan (value not reported, signed 2015, expires 2035 Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Ascension Health, Bridgestone, Coca-Cola, Comcast, Hughes & Coleman, Kroger, LG Electronics, Molson Coors, Pinnacle Bank, Shift4, Wesley Mortgage Local broadcasters: WTVF (CBS TV affiliate), WZTV (Fox TV affiliate), WNBJ-LD (preseason and NBC TV affiliate), WKRN-TV (ABC/ESPN TV affiliate), WGFX (English radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 2.8 million
Valuation: US$4.65 billion (12th) Principal owner: Rob Walton President: Damani Leech Home venue: Empower Field at Mile High (76,125) Average attendance 2021: 76,236 Arena operator: Stadium Management Company Stadium naming rights partner: Empower Retirement (US$5 million a year, signed 2019, expires 2039) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Arrow Electronics, Chevron, Coca-Cola, FanDuel, Ford, Hijole Tequila, Lightning eMotors, Mattress Firm, MGM Resorts, UC Health, United Airlines, US Bancorp, Verizon Local broadcasters: KTVD (preseason and Fox TV affiliate), KCNC-TV (CBS TV affiliate), KUSA (NBC TV affiliate), KOA (English radio), KNRV (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: Mexico Social media following: 8.2 million
Walmart heir Rob Walton was confirmed as the new owner of the Denver Broncos back in August
Valuation: US$3.7 billion (23rd) Principal owner: Hunt family Chief executive: Clark Hunt Home venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (76,416) Average attendance 2021: 73,227 Arena operator: In-house franchise operation on behalf of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority Stadium naming rights partner: GEHA (value not reported, signed 2021, expires 2031) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Audacy, BetMGM, Coca-Cola, CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy, Ford, Hy-Vee, Hyperice, McDonald’s, On Location, T-Mobile, The University of Kansas Health System Local broadcasters: KCTV (CBS TV affiliate), WDAF-TV (Fox TV affiliate), KSHB-TV (preseason and NBC TV affiliate), WDAF-FM (English radio), KCTO (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: Germany, Mexico Social media following: 6.5 million
Valuation: US$5.1 billion (9th) Principal owner: Mark Davis President: Sandra Douglass Morgan Home venue: Allegiant Stadium (65,000) Average attendance 2021: 61,185 Arena operator: AEG Facilities Stadium naming rights partner: Allegiant (US$20 million to US$25 million a year, signed 2019, expires 2030 Other key partners: Caesars Entertainment, Credit One Bank, Ford, Karma Automotive, Koloa Rum, Modelo, Molson Coors, MGM Resorts, San Manuel Casino, Wynn Resorts, Viva Aerobus, 1800 Tequila Local broadcasters: KVVU-TV (preseason and Fox TV affiliate in Las Vegas), KLAS (CBS TV affiliate in Las Vegas), KSNV (NBC TV affiliate in Las Vegas), KNTV (NBC TV affiliate in Las Vegas), KOMP, KRLV (English radio in Las Vegas) International marketing rights: Mexico Social media following: 7.4 million
Valuation: US$3.875 billion (20th) Principal owner: Dean Spanos President: A.G. Spanos Home venue: Sofi Stadium (70,240) Average attendance 2021: 70,240 Arena operator: StadCo LA, LLC Stadium naming rights partner: Social Finance (US$30 million per year, signed 2019, expires 2040) Other key partners: American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Ball Corporation, Constellation Brands, Giorgio Armani, Google, Hoag, Hyundai, McDonald’s, Pechanga Casino, PepsiCo, Socios.com, Toyota, Verizon Local broadcasters: KCBS-TV (preseason and CBS TV affiliate in Los Angeles), KTTV (Fox affiliate in Los Angeles), KNBC (NBC affiliate in Los Angeles), KAZA-TV (Spanish TV in Los Angeles), KYSR (English radio in Los Angeles), KBUE (Spanish radio in Los Angeles) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 3.6 million
Valuation: US$5.8 billion (5th) Principal owner: McCaskey family President and chief executive: Ted Phillips Home venue: Soldier Field (61,500) Average attendance 2021: 60,834 Arena operator: ASM Global Stadium naming rights partner: N/A Other key partners: Advocate Health Care, Keurig Dr Pepper, Molson Coors, PNC Financial Services, Proven IT, Rivers Casino, Rush Street Interactive, Socios.com, United Airlines, Verizon Local broadcasters: WFLD (preseason and Fox TV affiliate in Chicago), WBBM-TV (CBS TV affiliate in Chicago), WMAQ-TV (NBC TV affiliate in Chicago), WBBM, WCFS-FM (English radio), WRTO (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: Spain, United Kingdom Social media following: 7.4 million
Valuation: US$3.05 billion (31st) Principal owner: Sheila Ford Hamp President and chief executive: Rod Wood Home venue: Ford Field (65,000) Average attendance 2021: 51,522 Arena operator: In-house franchise operation on behalf of Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority Stadium naming rights partner: Ford Motor Company (US$40 million, signed 1996, expires 2022) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Comerica, Henry Ford Health System, Kroger, Meijer, MGM Resorts, Molson Coors, PepsiCo, Rocket Mortgage, Wynn Resorts Local broadcasters: WJBK (preseason and Fox TV affiliate), WWJ-TV (CBS TV affiliate), WDIV-TV (NBC TV affiliate), WXYT-FM (English radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 4.2 million
Valuation: US$4.25 billion (15th) Principal owner: Shareholder-owned President and chief executive: Mark Murphy Home venue: Lambeau Field (81,441) Average attendance 2021: 77,991 Arena operator: In-house franchise operation on behalf of the City of Green Bay and Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District Stadium naming rights partner: N/A Other key partners: American Family Insurance, Associated Banc-Corp, Bellin Health, Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, Festival Foods, Fleet Farm, Johnsonville, Kwik Trip, Molson Coors, Oneida Indian nation, Ororo, QuintEvents, Shopko, US Cellular Local broadcasters: WTMJ-TV (preseason and NBC TV affiliate in Milwaukee), WGBA-TV (preseason and NBC TV affiliate in Green Bay), WFRV-TV (CBS TV affiliate in Green Bay), WLUK-TV (Fox TV affiliate in Green Bay), WTAQ and WIXX (English radio in Green Bay) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 10.3 million
Valuation: US$3.925 billion (18th) Principal owner: Wilf family President: Mark Wilf Home venue: US Bank Stadium (66,860) Average attendance 2021: 66,701 Arena operator: ASM Global Stadium naming rights partner: US Bank (US$8.8 million a year, signed 2015, expires 2040) Other key partners: Fanatics, Hy-Vee, Land Lakes, Lumen, Medtronic, Molson Coors, Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, Pentair, Polaris, Sleep Number, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Verizon Local broadcasters: KMSP-TV (preseason and Fox TV affiliate), WCCO (CBS TV affiliate), KARE (NBC TV affiliate), KFXN-FM (English radio) International marketing rights: Canada, United Kingdom Social media following: 4.9 million
Valuation: US$8 billion (1st) Principal owner: Jerry Jones Chief operating officer: Stephen Jones Home venue: AT&T Stadium (100,000) Average attendance 2021: 93,421 Arena operator: In-house operation on behalf of the City of Arlington Stadium naming rights partner: AT&T (US$17 million to US$19 million per year, signed 2013, duration not reported) Other key partners: Albertsons, American Airlines, Bank of America, Blockchain.com, Hyperice, Fanatics, Ford, Keurig Dr Pepper, Liberty Tax Service, Lucas Oil, Molson Coors, NRG Energy, Optum, PepsiCo, Signia, UnitedHealth Group, Winstar World Casino Local broadcasters: KDFW (Fox TV affiliate in Dallas/Fort Worth), KTVT (preseason and CBS TV affiliate in Dallas/Fort Worth), KXAS-TV (NBC TV affiliate in Dallas/Fort Worth), KRLD-FM (English radio), KMVK (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: Mexico Social media following: 17 million
The Dallas Cowboys remain the league’s most valuable franchise, with Forbes pricing the team at US$8 billion
Valuation: US$6 billion (4th) Principal owners: John Mara and Steve Tisch President and chief executive: John Mara Home venue: MetLife Stadium (82,500) Average attendance 2021: 73,882 Arena operator: MetLife Stadium Company Stadium naming rights partner: MetLife (Up to US$20 million per year, signed 2011, expires 2036) Other key partners: Altec Lansing, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Citizens Bank, Constellation Brands, Dell Technologies, Ford, Grayscale Investments, PepsiCo, Quest Diagnostics, SAP, Socios.com, Toyota, Verizon, Waitr Local broadcasters: WNYW (Fox TV affiliate in New York), WCBS-TV (CBS TV affiliate in New York), WNBC (NBC TV affiliate in New York), WPIX-TV, WABC-TV (ESPN/ABC TV affiliate), WFAN (English radio), WADO-1280 AM (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 8.2 million
Valuation: US$4.9 billion (10th) Principal owner: Jeffrey Lurie President: Don Smolenski Home venue: Lincoln Financial Field (69,879) Average attendance 2021: 69,796 Arena operator: In-house franchise operation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia Stadium naming rights partner: Lincoln Financial (US$12 million a year, extension signed 2018, expires 2032) Other key partners: Acme Fresh Market, American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch InBev, BudLight, Comcast, DraftKings, FanDuel, Firstrust Bank, Hyundai, LifeBrand, Molson Coors, NovaCare, NRG Energy, PepsiCo, Toyota, Unibet, Verizon Local broadcasters: KYW-TV (CBS TV affiliate), WTXF-TV (Fox TV affiliate), WCAU (preseason and NBC TV affiliate), NBC Sports Philadelphia (preseason and NBC TV affiliate), WIP-FM (English radio), WEMG (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: Australia, Ghana, New Zealand Social media following: 9.1 million
Valuation: US$5.6 billion (6th) Principal owner: Daniel Snyder President: Jason Wright Home venue: FedExField (67,717) Average attendance 2021: 52,751 Arena operator: Franchise owned and operated Stadium naming rights partner: FedEx (US$205 million, signed 1999, expires 2025) Other key partners: Bank of America, Fanatics, FanDuel, GrubHub, MGM Resorts, PepsiCo, SeatGeek, Socios.com, Vistaprint Local broadcasters: WUSA (CBS TV affiliate), WTTG (Fox TV affiliate), WRC-TV (preseason and NBC TV affiliate), NBC Sports Washington (preseason and NBC TV affiliate), WTEM, WSBN, and WMAL-FM (English radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 4.3 million
Valuation: US$4 billion (16th) Principal owner: Arthur Blank Chief executive: Steve Cannon Home venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (71,000) Average attendance 2021: 67,586 Arena operator: AMB Sports and Entertainment Group Stadium naming rights partner: Mercedes-Benz (US$324 million total, signed 2017, expires 2044) Other key partners: American Family Insurance, AT&T, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Equifax, Georgia Power, The Home Depot, IBM, NCR, Scana, Socios.com, Southwire, Truist Financial Local broadcasters: WUPA (preseason TV), WAGA-TV (Fox TV affiliate), WGCL-TV (CBS TV affiliate), WXIA (NBC TV affiliate), WZGC (English radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 5.7 million
Valuation: US$3.6 billion (25th) Principal owner: David Tepper President: Kristi Coleman Home venue: Bank of America Stadium (74,867) Average attendance 2021: 71,906 Arena operator: Panthers Stadium LLC Stadium naming rights partner: Bank of America (US$7 million a year, signed 2004, expires 2024) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Atrium Health, Bojangles, Coca-Cola, Daimler, Duke Energy, Gatorade, Geico, GMC, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos, Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Honeywell, Lowe’s, Molson Coors, Ticketmaster, Trane Index, Visa Local broadcasters: WJZY (Fox TV affiliate), WBTV (CBS TV affiliate), WSOC-TV (preseason and ESPN TV affiliate), WCNC-TV (NBC TV affiliate), WBT (English radio) International marketing rights: Germany Social media following: 7.2 million
Valuation: US$3.575 billion (26th) Principal owner: Gayle Benson President: Dennis Lauscha Home venue: Caesar’s Superdome (73,208) Average attendance 2021: 64,929 Arena operator: ASM Global Stadium naming rights partner: Caesars Entertainment (US$138 million, signed 2021, expires 2041) Other key partners: Allstate, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bose, Bud Light, Coca-Cola, Cox, Entergy, Gatorade, Harrah’s, Mercedes-Benz, Ochsner, On Location, SeatGeek, Verizon Local broadcasters: WVUE-TV (preseason and Fox TV affiliate), WWL-TV (CBS TV affiliate), WDSU (NBC TV affiliate), WWL (English radio), KGLA (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: N/A Social media following: 7.6 million
Valuation: US$3.675 billion (24th) Principal owner: Glazer family Chief operating officer: Brian Ford Home venue: Raymond James Stadium (65,618) Average attendance 2021: 65,372 Arena operator: Tampa Sports Authority Stadium naming rights partner: Raymond James Financial (US$3.2 million per year, signed 2016, expires 2027) Other key partners: Advent Health, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bud Light, Coca-Cola, eMaxx, Fifth Third Bank, Ford, Frontier Communications, Hertz, Hyundai, Lumen, Molson Coors, Mosaic, Progressive, Publix Super Markets Local broadcasters: WTSP (CBS TV affiliate), WTVT (Fox TV affiliate), WFLA-TV (preseason and NBC TV affiliate), WXTB (English radio), WTMP-FM, WMGG (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: Germany Social media following: 4 million
Legendary quarterback Tom Brady looks set to feature in the NFL’s first regular season game in Germany, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scheduled to face the Seattle Seahawks in Munich in November
Valuation: US$3.27 billion (30th) Principal owner: Michael Bidwill Chief financial officer: Greg Lee Home venue: State Farm Stadium (63,400) Average attendance 2021: 62,622 Arena operator: ASM Global Stadium naming rights partner: State Farm (value not reported, signed 2018, expires 2036) Other key partners: Anheuser-Busch InBev, BetMGM, Desert Financial Credit Union, Gila River, Hyundai, Papa John’s, Shift4, University of Phoenix Local broadcasters: KPNX (preseason and NBC TV affiliate), KSAZ-TV (Fox TV affiliate), KPHO-TV (CBS TV affiliate), KMVP-FM (English radio), KHOV-FM (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: Mexico Social media following: 3.7 million
Valuation: US$6.2 billion (3rd) Principal owner: Stan Kroenke Chief operating officer: Kevin Demoff Home venue: Sofi Stadium (70,240) Average attendance 2021: 70,240 Arena operator: StadCo LA, LLC Stadium naming rights partner: Social Finance (US$30 million a year, signed 2019, expires 2040) Other key partners: Albertsons, American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Blade, Cedars-Sinai Health System, Constellation Brands, Google, Hyundai, Pechanga Resort & Casino, PepsiCo, Socios.com, Sleep Number, Toyota, Verizon Local broadcasters: KTTV (Fox TV affiliate), KNBC (NBC TV affiliate), KCBS-TV (preseason and CBS affiliate), KABC-TV, KCBS-FM (English radio), KFTR (preseason, Spanish TV), KWKW (Spanish radio) International marketing rights: Australia, China, Mexico, New Zealand Social media following: 3.8 million
Valuation: US$5.2 billion (8th) Principal owners: Denise DeBartolo York, John York Chief executive: Jed York Home venue: Levi’s Stadium (68,500) Average attendance 2021: 66,670 Arena operator: Santa Clara Stadium Authority Stadium naming rights partner: Levi’s (US$220 million, signed 2013, expires 2024) Other key partners: Acronis, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bank of New York Mellon, Dignity Health, Intel, Mattress Firm, NRG Energy, PepsiCo, SAP, Socios.com, Toyota, United Airlines, Visa, Yahoo Local broadcasters: KPIX-TV (preseason and CBS TV affiliate), KTVU (Fox TV affiliate), KNTV (NBC TV affiliate), KSAN-FM (English radio), KNBR (English radio) International marketing rights: Mexico, United Kingdom Social media following: 9 million
Valuation: US$4.5 billion (14th) Principal owner: Paul G Allen Trust President: Chuck Arnold Home venue: Lumen Field (68,740) Average attendance 2021: 68,408 Arena operator: First & Goal Inc Stadium naming rights partner: Lumen (US$162.7 million, extension signed 2019, expires 2033) Other key partners: Amazon Web Services, American Family Insurance, Anheuser-Busch InBev, BECU, Boeing, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel, Safeway, Starbucks, Toyota, Verizon, Virginia Mason Local broadcasters: KIRO-TV (CBS TV affiliate), KCPQ (preseason and Fox TV affiliate), KING-TV (NBC TV affiliate), KIRO (English radio) International marketing rights: Canada Social media following: 9.5 million
CBS (US$1 billion a year): Deal includes AFC package, Thanksgiving day game and most AFC playoff fixtures
Fox (US$1.1 billion a year): Deal includes NFC package, Thanksgiving day game and most NFC playoff fixtures. Also pays a reported US$660 million a year to show 11 Thursday night games
NBC (US$950 million a year): Deal includes Sunday night primetime package and season kickoff game
ESPN (US$1.75 billion a year): Deal includes Monday night package and one wildcard playoff game
Amazon/Twitch (US$1 billion a year): Exclusive deal includes rights to 15 Thursday night games
NFL Network: Airs Europe-based International Series and select Saturday games
AT&T/DirecTV (US$1.5 billion per year): Deal includes the Sunday Ticket out-of-market regular season package
Fox Deportes: NFC package
NBC Universo: SNF package
ESPN Deportes: MNF package