• Loading stock data...
Thursday, July 17, 2025

At Quarter Mark, NFL Continues To Be TV King

  • NFL games averaging 17.2 million viewers through Week 4.
  • That tops Oscars’ 16.6M — and nearly triples the Emmys’ 5.9M.
Syndication: Journal Sentinel

The NFL began its long march through the television industry when it stopped thinking of itself as a sport — and started thinking of itself as the nation’s premier entertainment brand.

The success of that strategy vs. Hollywood is borne out by the league’s season-to-date TV numbers.  

NFL game telecasts averaged 17.2 million viewers through Week 4. That’s up 1% from the same point last year and the highest since the 2016 season. 

That weekly average tops those for the biggest annual properties in Hollywood, including the Oscars, Emmys and Grammys. Consider:

  • NFL (17.2M)
  • The Oscars (16.6M)
  • The Grammys (9.6M)
  • Country Music Awards (6.8M)
  • The Emmys (5.92M)

With 14 weeks of the season still to play, the NFL is clicking on all cylinders TV-wise. That’s great news for the league’s media partners CBS Sports, ESPN, NBC Sports, Fox Sports and Amazon Prime Video.

The Green Bay Packers’ overtime victory over the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field averaged a whopping 24.647 million viewers. That was the biggest number for CBS in the Week 4 game window since it returned to the NFL in 1998.

The return of Saquon Barkley to the surprising 3-1 New York Giants is helping to drive numbers in the nation’s largest TV market. 

The Giants-Dallas Cowboys “Monday Night Football” matchup in Week 3 drew 19.3 million viewers. It was ESPN’s biggest Week 3 MNF game since the network took over the package in 2006.

Entering Week 5, the NFL can pound its chest that it’s off to its most competitive start ever.

  • 50 games have been within one score in the fourth quarter — the most through Week 4 in NFL history.
  • 23 games have been decided by three points or fewer, while 31 have been decided by six points or fewer — the most ever through four weeks in both categories.
  • During Week 4, 15 of 16 games (or 93.8%) were within one score in the final quarter — the most in a single week in NFL history.

The league offers viewers an intriguing mix of young talents like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson with established superstars like Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. That will only continue to produce massive TV numbers.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Judge Rules for NFL, Fanatics Against Small Apparel Seller

The lawsuit argued the NFL “aids and abets” Fanatics with its strategy.
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Trey Smith, Chiefs Reach Record Deal Before Franchise Tag Deadline

Smith was taken by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 Draft.

NFL’s New Headsets Are Designed to Survive Coach Tantrums

New NFL coaching headsets underwent “extensive drop testing.”
NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.

Featured Today

Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run in the swing off of after the 2025 MLB All Star Game ended in a tie at Truist Park.

MLB All-Star Game Viewership Dips Despite Historic Swing-Off

Game viewership falls 3% despite late dramatics in the unique tiebreaker.
July 15, 2025

WNBA Hits Fourth-Highest ABC Viewership With Clark-Bueckers Duel

Clark missed the first Fever vs. Wings game with an injury.
July 15, 2025

MLB Home Run Derby Draws 5.7M Viewers on ESPN, Up 5%

ESPN reverses the trend from last year and registers audience growth.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark
exclusive
July 15, 2025

‘Good Morning America’ Will Air From WNBA All-Star in First

The All-Star Game’s relevance has exploded with the league in recent years.
NBC Sports
exclusive
July 14, 2025

NBC Hiring Ex-Hawks Exec Grant Liffmann As NBA Front Office Insider

Liffmann spent the last three years with Atlanta after covering the Warriors.
F1
July 11, 2025

F1 ‘Poised’ to Choose Apple Money Over ESPN Reach

Formula One looks to be changing lanes.
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Iga Swiatek of Poland at her on court interview after winning her match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 10, 2025

Wimbledon Set to Deliver Strong Finals Matchup for ESPN

Novak Djokovic is still in the hunt for his 25th Grand Slam.