The National Football League has experienced a significant surge in television viewership during the 2025 preseason, with an average of 2.2 million viewers per game across major networks, marking a 17% increase from the previous year and the highest since 2018. NFL Network, which broadcast the majority of the games, achieved a record average of 1.8 million viewers, a 26% rise year-over-year. This boost in preseason viewership follows a 2.2% dip in regular-season viewership in 2024, which had dropped to 17.5 million viewers per game. The trend appears promising, particularly with the Hall of Fame Game on July 31 between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions drawing 6.9 million viewers, a 40% jump from the previous year. The NFL regular season is set to begin on September 4 with the Dallas Cowboys facing the Philadelphia Eagles.
In addition to the surge in viewership, the NFL is set to earn record media-rights revenue for the 2025-26 season. Total media rights agreements have reached nearly $110 billion over 11 years, more than doubling previous contracts, underscoring the NFL's robust media presence and economic impact. Major streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube are expanding their NFL coverage, with Netflix broadcasting two Christmas games annually from 2024 to 2026 , and YouTube set to stream its first exclusive game and a Super Bowl Flag Football game under a multiyear deal. Despite a 2.2% dip in domestic viewership in 2024, the NFL's media presence has grown, aided by new partnerships and strong streaming performance.
The NFL's global expansion continues with Sky Sports signing a new three-year agreement to broadcast live games in the UK and Ireland through the 2027 season. The deal includes all London and European games, reflecting a 50% increase in the number of live matches available to subscribers. This expanded coverage marks the 30th anniversary of Sky’s partnership with the NFL, which began in 1995. As part of the new deal, Sky will air a second game at 6 p.m. local time, with up to two more live games at 9 p.m., starting from the opening weekend of the season. The agreement includes the NFL’s inaugural games in Ireland and Spain, with notable matchups such as the Minnesota Vikings versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin and the Washington Commanders versus the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. Other European fixtures will also be held in London and Berlin. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but the arrangement underscores the NFL’s commitment to growing its fan base in the UK and internationally.
On the field, the NFL has seen notable player movements. Adam Thielen has restructured his contract with the Minnesota Vikings, reducing his annual salary by $2 million and removing $4 million in incentives. The decision was partly motivated by his desire to return home to Minnesota. Thielen, a 35-year-old native of the state and former Minnesota State player, initially joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and became a two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. He was released in March 2023 for salary cap reasons and signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. On August 27, 2025, Thielen was traded back to the Vikings along with draft picks in exchange for future mid-round picks. Last season, he missed seven games due to a hamstring injury but recorded 48 receptions for 615 yards and five touchdowns in 10 starts. Over his career, he has accumulated 685 catches, 8,311 yards, and 64 touchdowns in 162 games.
In other player news, Shilo Sanders, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety, has been fined $4,669 by the NFL for throwing a punch during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 23, 2025. The incident, which involved tight end Zach Davidson, led to Sanders' ejection from the game. The following day, the Buccaneers released him from the team. Head coach Todd Bowles criticized the action as inexcusable, emphasizing that such behavior is not tolerated in the league. Sanders, who was a rookie free agent and a third-string safety, had limited prospects of making the team's final roster. During his collegiate career spanning six seasons at South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado, Sanders played in 52 games, recorded 217 tackles, six interceptions, and five forced fumbles. He notably played under his father, Deion Sanders, while at Jackson State and Colorado.
As the NFL regular season approaches, these developments highlight the league's ongoing growth and the dynamic nature of its player roster and media partnerships.
