Everybody's Business The Business Behind the 'Turkey 5'
Nov 28, 2025
Ken Belson, a New York Times sports reporter and author, joins the conversation to reveal the NFL's transformation into a cultural titan. He discusses the unique elements that make football a TV powerhouse and the impact of celebrity fans on its viewership. Annemarie Conte from Wirecutter shares insights on Black Friday shopping, detailing how they sift through countless deals to find genuine bargains. She also highlights shifting strategies and categories for this year's sales amidst economic challenges.
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Fans Share What Football Costs Them
- A Baltimore fan said he spent $1,000 on a Ravens game while another reported $1,800 a year in season tickets for the Dolphins.
- Fans described small weekly bets and argued team ownership concentration feels like 'end-stage capitalism.'
How The NFL Became Dominant
- The NFL's rise hinged on scarcity, network TV exposure, and packaging the product for mass audiences.
- Strategic TV deals and presentation innovations turned football into an outsized cultural and economic juggernaut.
Scarcity Fuels Viewer Demand
- Football's once-a-week schedule and limited regular-season games create high stakes and audience focus.
- The scarcity of games helps each matchup feel consequential and drives broad viewership.
