The NFL generates more revenue than the NBA, with $16 billion in 2019 compared to the NBA’s $8.3 billion. This can be attributed to the NFL’s larger roster sizes and more extensive game schedule. However, the NBA has seen significant revenue growth in the past decade. The NFL dominates television ratings on both a national and local level, but the NBA has made significant strides in TV ratings in recent years, particularly in international markets. The NFL audience tends to skew slightly older and more male than the NBA’s, which boasts a more diverse and younger audience.
NBA vs. NFL: Which League Generates More Money?
Introduction
When it comes to professional sports leagues in North America, the NBA (National Basketball Association) and the NFL (National Football League) are two of the biggest names in the game. But which league generates more money? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each league’s revenue streams, audience demographics, and other relevant factors in order to compare and contrast the NBA and NFL’s earning power.
Revenue
When it comes to overall revenue, the NFL reigns supreme. According to Forbes, the NFL brought in $16 billion in revenue in 2019, while the NBA generated $8.3 billion. This disparity can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the NFL’s larger roster sizes and more extensive game schedule.
However, it’s worth noting that the NBA has seen significant revenue growth over the past decade. In 2010, the league’s revenue was just over $4 billion. Since then, it has more than doubled thanks to increased TV ratings, merchandising, and international partnerships.
Television Ratings
Another important factor to consider is television ratings. Professional sports have long been a major draw for television networks, and both the NBA and NFL have lucrative TV deals in place.
According to Sports Media Watch, the NFL dominates television ratings on both a national and local level. In 2020, the league’s games accounted for 47 of the top 50 most-watched programs. On a local level, NFL games regularly draw higher ratings than NBA games in most markets.
However, it’s worth noting that the NBA has made significant strides in TV ratings in recent years. The league’s 2019 Finals series between the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors averaged 15.1 million viewers, the highest since 1998. The NBA has also made a push to reach international audiences, with several games broadcast live in countries around the world.
Audience Demographics
The demographics of each league’s audience can also impact their earning power. While both the NFL and NBA have large followings, there are some key differences between the two groups.
The NFL’s audience tends to skew slightly older and more male than the NBA’s. According to Nielsen, 62% of NFL viewers are male, and the median age is 50. NBA viewers, on the other hand, are split almost evenly between men and women, with a median age of 42.
The NBA also boasts a more diverse audience. According to Nielsen, African Americans make up 45% of the NBA’s audience, while Hispanics account for 16%. By comparison, African Americans make up just 10% of the NFL’s audience, with Hispanics at 9%.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both the NBA and NFL are incredibly lucrative sports leagues. While the NFL currently generates more revenue, the NBA has seen impressive growth in recent years and boasts a more diverse and younger audience. Both leagues have significant appeal to advertisers and sponsors, as well as loyal fanbases that tune in week after week.
Whether you prefer the fast-paced action of the NBA or the hard-hitting drama of the NFL, there’s no denying that both leagues bring in major money and hold a central place in American sports culture.