The New York Jets’ playoff hopes are alive and well — a surprising development that’s boosting the team financially.
On Sunday, the Jets will be the away team at MetLife Stadium for a crosstown matchup with New York Giants. But when the Jets have played at home, the numbers have been staggering — even despite star quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ absence after tearing his Achilles.
Ticket and game day revenues are setting records for the Jets. “Everything is higher than it’s ever been,” team president Hymie Elhai told Front Office Sports.
The Jets wouldn’t disclose specific sales figures, but during the first three games — before a home upset of the Philadelphia Eagles — merchandise sales at MetLife Stadium were up 20% from last season and concessions up 9.3%. Online merch sales are up nearly 200%.
The Jets attributed the strong numbers in part to a new initiative they started in 2022 to get more fans in the stadium before kickoff — they averaged an entry rate above 90% for the first three games.
Next season, the Jets will reportedly raise season ticket prices by an average of 10%. Rodgers, who is 39 and previously hinted at retirement, is under contract for 2024 and says he wants to return this season. “Aaron’s impact and influence on the team has been present, and it’s helped become a unifying thing,” Elhai said. “So, even when he’s been away, he’s not really away.”
Interest in Rodgers’ debut and a slate of strong opponents has led to the three most-watched games of this NFL season involving the Jets. And on a local level, the Jets are seeing numbers spike for team-produced digital content.
