Tuesday, May 5, 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

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.”

World Cup Fans Hit With Tech Issues in Latest Ticket Drop

With 50 days to go, the ticket drop was full of mishaps.

Featured Today

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

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
May 4, 2026

WNBA Slightly Raises Technical, Flagrant Foul Fines for 2026 Season

The league will also fine players for flopping.
May 4, 2026

Europe’s Soccer Giants Keep Winning—and Are Cashing In

The Big Five leagues of European soccer are again led by financial giants.
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.
Sep 30, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors vice chairman and team president Masai Ujiri talks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Area. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
May 4, 2026

Mavericks Hire Masai Ujiri To Replace Nico Harrison

Ujiri was the general manager of the Raptors’ 2019 title team.
May 4, 2026

PGA Tour’s Two-Track Future on Display in the Carolinas This Week

Tournaments are taking place in Charlotte and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
May 4, 2026

LIV Turns to Investment Bank With Sports Ties As PIF Exit Looms

The league is searching for new investors after the Saudi PIF pulled out.
May 3, 2026; Austin, TX, USA; Dallas Wings guards Azzi Fudd (35) and Paige Bueckers (5) at the start of the second half against the Las Vegas Aces at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
May 4, 2026

Azzi Fudd Won’t Be Fined After Questioning WNBA Officiating

Fudd said she was “confused” about the WNBA’s officiating.