America feasted on NFL soccer this previous Thanksgiving.
A number of viewing information had been set Thursday, together with the most-watched common season NFL recreation in historical past. The CBS telecast of the Dallas Cowboys’ 31-28 victory over the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs was watched by 57.2 million viewers, in accordance with Nielsen information.
The quantity blew previous the 42 million viewers who watched the Cowboys assembly with the New York Giants, the Thanksgiving recreation that aired on Fox in 2022.
Fox additionally noticed a brand new excessive for the vacation’s early recreation between the Detroit Lions and Inexperienced Bay Packers. The 31-24 win by the Packers within the NFC North showdown had a median viewers of 47.1 million viewers.
Information for NBC’s prime time recreation, which featured the return of quarterback Joe Burrow, who led the Cincinnati Bengals to a 32-14 upset victory over the Baltimore Ravens, will likely be launched this Thursday.
The NFL has benefited from the change in Nielsen’s viewers measurement methodology, which now consists of viewing on digital gadgets and web linked televisions. The information additionally consists of out-of-home viewing, which is especially robust for stay sports activities.
Earlier than the Thanksgiving weekend, NFL telecasts had been averaging 17.7 million viewers, up 6% from final 12 months and the best degree since 2015. “Thursday Night time Soccer,” which is streamed on Prime Video, is averaging 14.85 million, a 12% enhance.
From a relative power standpoint, the NFL is dominant. For the reason that begin of the present season, NFL applications account for 48 of the 50 most watched TV applications, in accordance with Nielsen.
The robust efficiency helps construct the case for the NFL to reopen its media rights cope with the networks and streaming platforms carrying its video games.
The league has an choice to choose out of the present 11-year deal after the 2029-30 season. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed an curiosity in renegotiating sooner.
The contract at present pays the league $111 billion over its time period.
