Kneeling during the national anthem is one of the most divisive forms of protest in NFL history.
This nonviolent demonstration was meant to draw attention to social and racial injustice, but it instead created a national conversation and inspired some fans to boycott the league. Therefore, a lot of people have questioned if the NFL lost money as a result of kneeling.
The answer to this question is not clear-cut. While there is evidence to suggest that the protests did have a negative impact on the NFL’s revenue, it is difficult to determine the exact amount of money that was lost.
In 2017, during the height of the protests, the NFL saw a decline in TV ratings and game attendance. A survey conducted by JD Power found that 30% of NFL fans reported watching fewer games that season, and 26% said they attended fewer games. This decline in viewership and attendance resulted in lower advertising revenue and ticket sales, which had a negative impact on the NFL’s bottom line.
However, it is important to note that the decline in revenue was not solely due to the protests. There were several other factors that contributed to the decline, including increased competition from other sports leagues, changes in viewing habits among younger viewers, and a decline in the quality of play on the field.
Additionally, the NFL has taken steps to address the concerns raised by the protests and to promote social justice initiatives. In 2018, the league launched the “Inspire Change” initiative, which focuses on education and economic advancement, police and community relations, and criminal justice reform. The NFL has also pledged to donate $250 million over a 10-year period to social justice causes.
In conclusion, it is obvious that the demonstrations had a detrimental effect on the league’s income even though it is difficult to pinpoint the precise amount of money that the NFL lost as a result of kneeling.
But it’s crucial to keep in mind that the demonstrations were meant to bring attention to significant racial and socioeconomic issues and that the NFL has taken action to allay those worries and encourage constructive change.
