nfl blackout

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Up to 12 NFL teams may face blackouts


Chris Ostrow

St. Johns University

Strategic Sports Management

9/8/09

Dr. Fletcher

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This Thursday millions of fans are tuning in to see the Titans and Steelers do battle on the

grid iron. The NFL is one of the most finically successful professional sports in America. This

Sunday most fans are wearing their favorite player’s jerseys and relaxing with a bag of chips.

For some fans this season when they go to turn on their television they may be surprised to see a

blank screen.

This is becoming a more distinct possibility as the days and hours draw closer to the

kickoff of the NFL season. “Up to four times the number of NFL teams are at risk of having at

least one of their games being blacked out locally.” ( Kaplan, D) 2009 Sports Business Journal

issue 18 volume 12 August 31-September 6th.

The blackout rules have been in place for 36 years. Last season only the St. Louis Rams,

Oakland Raiders, and the winless Detroit Lions have had blackouts take place last year. “A

game is blacked out if within 72 hours of kickoff it is not sold out. If this happens a game cannot

be broadcasted locally.” ( Kaplan, D) 2009 Sports Business Journal issue 18 volume 12 August

31-September 6th.

With the economy rearing it’s ugly head even into one of America’s most stable

businesses, is their any solutions in the near future? According to NFL spokesman Brian

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McCarthy “The policy is important in support ability of clubs to sell tickets, and keep our games

attractive as possible. We have no plans to change our rules.” ( Kaplan, D) 2009 Sports

Business Journal issue 18 volume 12 August 31-September 6th.

I personally think it’s absurd they expect fans in Detroit to sell out a stadium with a team

who was winless last season. Detroit has been hit the hardest by the economy, with as much as

20 percent of the city unemployed. The NFL runs advertisements all season about how

charitable they are, I guess unless it affects their profits.

Local teams such as the New York Jets haven’t sold all their tickets yet. Teams should

take note of the steps they are taking to sell out this season. “The Jets launched a prospective

buyer campaign with the fans name in a personalized video of players and executives talking

about fans as the team’s prize acquisitions.” ( Kaplan, D) 2009 Sports Business Journal issue 18

volume 12 August 31-September 6th.

In my opinion the league is still in great shape compared to the other professional sports.

Although the NFL will have a tough time selling out 97% of it’s tickets this season. If

corporations can help small market teams avoid blackouts it will be another successful season

with exciting memories that will last a lifetime.

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References

Kaplan, Daniel (2009) US Open Scores In Lean Year from the Sports Business Journal issue 18 volume 12 August 31-September 6th.