How much revenue does NFL generate? Breaking down numbers behind league’s financial prowess

The National Football League (NFL) is one of the big four professional sports leagues in America and arguably the most profit-oriented. The league is a major money maker, as most franchises have billionaire owners.

The NFL has an extensive business model, and we will examine how much revenue it generates.

How much revenue does the NFL generate?

According to Sportico, the NFL made around $19 billion in 2023 with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell setting a target of $25 billion in revenue by 2027. There are multiple escalators in the media deals that can help Goodell achieve that dream figure.

According to reports, the NFL has deals with local and national television companies to broadcast NFL content to millions of people. The most lucrative of these deals are with CBS, FOX, and NBC, and they rake in an estimated $3.1 billion annually. Recently, Amazon signed a deal with the league worth $5 billion per year that established a new Black Friday game.

Television is one of many ways the NFL makes billions, as the league has a dream team of corporate sponsors. According to as.com, corporate sponsors contribute at least $1 billion annually to the league's coffers.

Some of the NFL's biggest corporate sponsors are Verizon ($300 million), Anheuser-Busch ($230 million), Nike ($120 million), Pepsi ($100 million), Oakley ($75 million), and Amazon ($75 million). These sponsors get a stellar amount of exposure in return for the millions spent.

The NFL has future plans for earning even more money

While the league is making billions with the existing business model, Roger Goodell has been vocal about expanding the earning potential. One major method that the commissioner sees fit is via streaming.

With the world evolving and streaming quickly taking over from TV, the NFL is taking note. Hence, the league is partnering with numerous streaming giants to broadcast one-off exclusive regular and postseason games via their platforms.

In return, the league signs long-term lucrative contracts that generate millions in revenue and give fans a new way to savor the action. It's a win-win for both parties involved.

Furthermore, the league has also embraced legalized gambling in most states in the United States of America. A report from the Washington Post states, "the NFL currently takes in $132 million in gambling-related sponsorships." Some of the gambling companies include Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, and FanDuel.

Furthermore, in 2018, the American Gaming Association predicted that legalized betting could be worth over $2.3 billion a year to the NFL.