Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner since 2006, shares insights on the league’s international expansion and the potential addition of an 18th game to the regular season. He addresses fan concerns about private equity investments in teams, assuring that controlling stakes will remain restricted. Goodell also touches on the 'Taylor Swift effect' on the sport's popularity and the intricate planning involved in Super Bowl events. His experiences reflect the balancing act of navigating fame while ensuring the league's integrity and fairness.
Roger Goodell emphasized the NFL's commitment to international expansion, aiming to increase international games from five to eight next season.
The league is navigating the introduction of private equity investments in teams while ensuring no institutional investor holds a controlling stake.
Deep dives
The NFL's Popularity and Unique Business Model
The NFL stands out as the most profitable sports league in the world, generating around $20 billion in revenue last year and maintaining profitability across all teams. Its success is attributed to the quality of the game, which officials regard as one of the best globally due to its competitive nature and engaging viewing experience. Additionally, the NFL's business model, featuring revenue sharing and a salary cap, promotes competitiveness among teams, allowing for a fair playing field. This framework is crucial to the league's sustainability and has resulted in heightened interest and attendance both domestically and internationally.
International Expansion and Future Opportunities
The NFL is actively pursuing international growth through games overseas, aiming to increase from five to eight international games within the next season. The enthusiasm for NFL games in new markets, such as Brazil, highlights the league's potential for global reach, with sold-out tickets indicating strong fan engagement. Future plans may even include the establishment of international franchises, although challenges related to travel and logistics are still being evaluated. As the NFL enhances its global footprint, it seeks to create a more connected football culture, emphasizing participation through initiatives like flag football.
Media Strategies and Accessibility for Fans
The NFL is committed to ensuring fans can easily access games, with nearly 90% of broadcasts available on free television for local markets. This approach has been vital to the league's growing popularity, as it allows fans to watch their home teams without additional costs. While some games are available through subscription services, the NFL is mindful of keeping the sport accessible, especially to younger audiences, as exemplified by successful partnerships with platforms like Netflix. The focus on creating a balance between traditional and new media ensures that the NFL continues to capture diverse viewership.
For many football fans, Roger Goodell is the only NFL Commissioner they’ve known, with the 65-year-old now in his 19th year at the helm of America’s most popular pro sport. In an episode of “The David Rubenstein Show: Peer to Peer Conversations,” Goodell talks about NFL’s international expansion, and that adding an 18th game to the regular season schedule is the “logical” next step for the league. He also discussed the NFL allowing private equity firms to take passive minority stakes in teams. There’s been some fan backlash on this move, but Goodell tried to ease those concerns, saying he doesn’t think he’ll “ever allow institutional [investors] in a controlling position, at least in the foreseeable future.” This interview was recorded January 3 in New York.