Saturday, May 9, 2026

Trump Says Leagues Set ‘Impossible’ Ticket Prices

The former president said he would “work on” high ticket prices if he won the election, without providing any specifics.

John David Mercer-Imagn Images

During his time in the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump attacked NFL owners for letting their players kneel in protest of systemic racism. Just ahead of Election Day, Trump was asked about the issues he feels sports fans face by Bill Belichick and Jim Gray on SiriusXM’s Let’s Go! podcast.  

The former president believes leagues are pricing out middle-class sports fans with high ticket prices. “The leagues are not taking care of their fans. They really aren’t. They’re making it impossible.” Trump said he would “work on” high ticket prices if he won the election, without providing any specifics. (The cost for a family of four to attend an NFL game was $631.63 in 2023, up 7.1%, according to Team Marketing Report.) 

Unsurprisingly, Trump says he still has beef with the NFL. “They don’t treat people well. And they don’t treat their fans well.”

Trump also predicted he could solve the PGA Tour–LIV Golf feud in “the better part of 15 minutes.” (Recent reports indicate a deal is close.) He called MLB keeping the late Pete Rose out of the Hall of Fame a “ridiculous” decision. Trump thinks the NFL’s new kickoff rule looks “weird.” Belichick agreed.

[Related: The NFL, MLB, NBA Owners That Donated to Trump or Harris]

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Politicians From Mamdani to Trump Furious at World Cup Prices

So far, they’ve not been able to do anything about it.

Canada Says Barring Iran From FIFA Congress ‘Unintentional’

Gianni Infantino said Thursday the team would play at the World Cup.
President Donald Trump speaks at the Build the Red Wall rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on April 17, 2026.

Trump Says He ‘Doesn’t Like’ Prediction Markets

“That’s like Pete Rose betting on his own team.”

Featured Today

Matt Palumb

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League
May 5, 2026

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.

Kim Ng: Don’t Expect Robot Umps in Pro Softball Anytime Soon

The AUSL commissioner said her league doesn’t need ABS—yet.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell holds a Terrible Towel during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
May 8, 2026

All Eyes on Networks, Streamers as NFL Readies Schedule Release

The highly anticipated slate will drop on Thursday.
NFL Referee Carl Cheffers signals a penalty during the Buffalo Bills game against the Cincinnati Bengals at home in Orchard Park on Jan. 22.
May 8, 2026

NFL and Refs Ratify New 7-Year CBA

The seven-year deal eliminates the need for replacement officials.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 8, 2026

WNBA Season Arrives on Time and in a New CBA World

Two new teams will debut this weekend.
May 8, 2026

New League Could Serve as WNBA’s Badly Needed G League

The Upshot League launches May 15.
May 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) talks to an referee John Goble mid court after the end of game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
May 8, 2026

Reaves, Redick Target Officiating After Lakers Lose to Thunder

Reaves confronted crew chief John Goble after the game.
exclusive
May 8, 2026

PGA Tour to Loosen Social Media Restrictions on Players

Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube ambitions could still prevent his return.