The NFL should worry about its credibility with the fans rather than how it can make the most money.
During the 2006-2007 season, The NFL decided to add a weekly Thursday night game to its schedule.
While this received mixed reaction from fans, the games were broadcasted on network television or the NFL Network on basic cable.
There were some great games and moments, such as the Oakland Raiders coming back from a 10-point 4th quarter deficit to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-30 in 2017.
Also, who can forget Aaron Rodgers’ 61-yard Hail Mary pass on the last play of the game as the Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions 27-23? As well as many other games and moments.
However, from the 2022 season to the present, the NFL decided to get greedy when they put their games exclusively on Amazon Prime. This announcement was received with severe backlash from fans.
Why did the NFL sacrifice easy access for its fans from network television and basic cable to a streaming service to watch the game? Why should fans put up with the constant buffering and glitching?
This was the most important thing the NFL didn’t take into account, when a football fan gets home on a Monday or Thursday night, he or she shouldn’t have to log in or download an app or streaming service. They want the easiest access possible.
Furthermore, Amazon is still primarily being used for shopping.
Fans are frustrated with the controversial calls still being made in today’s game. Little things like this will turn the fans off to the product.
The NFL isn’t going to lose its position as the most popular sport in the country any time soon. However, they can’t just bet on the fans to download an app to watch a game, especially if the game is a blowout, which the majority of the games have been since debuting on Amazon.
In terms of courses of action fans can take, they can create and sign petitions, voice their frustration on social media, not watch the games, which may prove difficult to do. Don’t buy any merchandise such as hats and jerseys.
Finally, do not purchase tickets to attend games.
If the NFL really cares about its fans, they will check the data with their legal and public relations teams and reconsider.
Thursday Night Football used to be a destination for great games. Now, the concept has been used as a pawn for the NFL to make additional revenue when they don’t have to.
The consumers see right through this, they are going to wait and see what the final score is on the local news or “SportsCenter” and just watch the games on Sunday.
As long as the Super Bowl remains on network TV, fans and consumers will stay invested. Unless the NFL does something drastic like take that game out of network TV. Hopefully, that won’t happen anytime soon.
