Love for Fans: Visiting the NFL Ratings of the Last Five Years

When it comes to American sports, the NFL stands tall as the dominant force in the U.S., but what about its status globally? While it's easy to assume that the NFL is the world's most popular sports league due to its massive presence in North America, the truth is a bit more nuanced. Just when you thought that the NBA, the MLB, the NHL, or even the MLS was much more popular, you have the NFL.

NFL Ratings of the Last Five Years image

Paul Daniel Flores
Paul Daniel Flores

⏳ 7 mins read

📖 Published: February 28th, 2025

✍️ Updated: March 13th, 2025

General

The NFL reigns supreme in American sports, generating over $18 billion in revenue in 2023, with the Super Bowl attracting 200 million viewers worldwide. Averaging 16.5 million viewers per regular-season game, it far surpasses other leagues like MLB. The NFL's growth is bolstered by streaming platforms, engaging younger audiences. Despite competition from the NBA and MLB, the NFL's cultural impact and viewership solidify its status as the leading sports league in the U.S.

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NFL In the United States

The NFL is unquestionably the king of sports in the U.S. In 2023, the NFL generated over $18 billion in revenue, making it the highest-grossing sports league in North America. The Super Bowl consistently ranks as one of the most-watched events in U.S. television history, with the 2023 Super Bowl drawing in over 200 million viewers globally, while the average viewership per regular-season game hovers around 16.5 million.

The NFL’s fan base is also significant, with about 183 million fans across the U.S., according to a 2022 study by the Sports Business Journal. Football is by far the most-watched sport in America. For comparison, in 2023, the average viewership for an NFL regular-season game was 16.5 million, while Major League Baseball (MLB) averaged 1.7 million per game.

Most Watched Sports Leagues in the United States

Most watched sports in the United States image

The data from Statista reveals a fascinating look at the most-watched sports leagues in the U.S., underscoring the immense popularity of the NFL but also highlighting the significant presence of other major sports. The NFL leads the pack by a wide margin, with an average of over 16 million viewers per game during the regular season. This dominance is reflected in the consistently high viewership for the Super Bowl, the most-watched annual sporting event in the country.

While the NFL is certainly the leader in terms of viewership, this diversity of popular sports leagues underscores the wide range of interests in the U.S., where other leagues like the NBA and MLB continue to thrive, offering different types of fan experiences and regional appeal. Each league, from professional to collegiate, plays a significant role in shaping the sports landscape in America, with the NFL at the pinnacle but facing increasing competition from other key players.

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Is the NFL Significantly on the Rise?

The NFL has been one of the best leagues over the years, and it cannot be denied that its viewership has taken a big scale in the last 10 years. The NFL’s viewership numbers are even more impressive when compared to other major sports leagues. According to Evoca, the Super Bowl remains the top television event in the U.S., drawing an astounding over 200 million viewers globally in 2023.

While the NFL enjoys tremendous success in terms of viewership, the league is also capitalizing on the shift to streaming. The rise of digital platforms and streaming services has allowed the NFL to expand its reach, attracting younger audiences who prefer to consume content on their own terms. According to Evoca, NFL games are now being streamed on a variety of platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and YouTube TV, marking a shift in how fans engage with the sport.

NFL Viewership By Year (2014-2024)

NFL Viewership by year image

In fact, during the 2022-2023 season, the NFL averaged around 16.5 million viewers per game, a number that far surpasses that of any other major sports league in the U.S. This robust viewership is a testament to the NFL’s widespread appeal, which stretches beyond just the diehard football fans.

If you are not impressed, every NFL game itself has been quite the promising showdown to watch, and it cannot be denied that there are a lot of massive battles that have been really fun for audiences over the years. The table below has data provided by Front Office Sports offers us a massive insight as to how each NFL big game has become quite a prominent one to look out for.

Most-Watched NFL Games Over the Years

Most watched NFL games image

Beyond the Super Bowl, other marquee NFL games also draw substantial viewership, often surpassing 30 million viewers. These high-stakes, win-or-go-home matchups tend to feature intense rivalries, star players, and dramatic moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The NFL’s playoff format, with its single-elimination structure, ensures that each game feels like a major event, further fueling the audience's excitement and engagement.

Regular-season matchups can also break viewership records, especially when high-profile teams are involved. The NFL's Thanksgiving games, which have become an American tradition, also tend to draw large audiences due to their scheduling during a family-oriented holiday. These games exemplify how the NFL maintains its viewership throughout the season, not just during high-profile postseason matchups.

Is NFL Really the Most Dominant Sport in the United States?

The NFL is undeniably the most dominant sport in the United States, but whether it holds that title in every aspect is worth unpacking. The league’s viewership, revenue, and cultural influence are unmatched in the U.S., with the NFL boasting the highest television ratings, the most lucrative broadcasting deals, and a fanbase that spans across the nation.

This level of viewership is not only a testament to the NFL’s immense popularity but also a clear indicator of its cultural relevance. The league’s ability to captivate and maintain such a massive, diverse audience year after year underscores its place as the dominant force in American sports.

At this point, the NFL shows a lot of promise about being the best league in the United States now more than ever, and it goes to show that the league is going to bigger heights now more than ever.

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Don’t miss out on the latest in the NFL and the rest of the sports and esports world! GambleSpot has you covered when it comes to the hottest news, blogs, gambling guides, tournament previews, and even some discussions on betting strategies. Make use of all our content to spice up your chances of winning and enjoy your betting experience like no other!

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