Is the NFL Set to Become a Global Phenomenon?

The NFL has, for as long as anyone can remember, been America’s favorite pastime. There simply isn’t anything else that people in the land of the free want to watch when it comes to getting their sporting fix, and the Super Bowl LVI viewing figures say as much with two-thirds of the United States population watching the Los Angeles Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals.

In total, 208 million people tuned in to watch events unfold at the SoFi Stadium as the home side triumphed on Californian soil. Whilst those are truly extraordinary viewing figures, it should be pointed out that it is customary for Americans to drop everything they’re doing when this match is played. However, for the first time, we’re now also seeing a similar fascination with the NFL spread across the world.

Indeed, whether it be milestone events like the NFL draft or Super Bowl, the world is beginning to tune in with America to watch history being made.

Madden Goes Viral

This growing trend can be observed by focusing on the performance of the Madden NFL video game which has now surpassed the 130 million mark after a surge in sales since 2018. Indeed, Electronic Arts’ NFL offering has now become the company’s best-selling game behind the FIFA series.

London Calling

As for what is driving the international love affair with the NFL, you would have to say that the idea to play NFL games abroad has been a critical factor in its surging popularity. In particular, London has played host to numerous NFL games over the last few years which has resulted in a sharp spike in international viewership. Indeed, there is a great sense of excitement whenever the pre-season dates or fixture lists are announced as English NFL fans mark the diary for the next time this global roadshow comes to London.

Do You Come From a Land Down Under?

Another key factor is how many international sportsbooks are offering NFL odds and covering the spectacle every year. Needless to say, this attracts a whole new market with the NFL now a visible presence on most sportsbooks around the world. For instance, this review of new Australian betting sites which covers all the latest betting sites popping up Down Under, lists four bookmakers that offer odds on the NFL. Furthermore, as this site mentions, sports such as rugby, AFL, cricket, and basketball have long been the favorite for Australians but intriguingly, the NFL is beginning to rival that age-old interest.

Once again, there is irrefutable evidence that the NFL now has a captive audience in the most far-flung places in the world.

Essentially, this could mean that the NFL, once only appreciated by a besotted American population, could now become a global phenomenon and the most watched sports league in the world.