Well it is all based on Neilsen ratings, and then it is estimated based on that.
I can see where if NFL paid nielson a billion a year they would make sure those ratings stay high ??
I can just give it the old eye test: when I go to supermarket or mall, I see people, young and old, walking around in their NFL jerseys, hats, etc. It's not a fashion statement...they're just "sucked in" rabid fans.
At work....people talking every Monday about the games over the weekend, arguing, debating, teasing, happy, mad, etc etc etc. I just don't see this with any other sport.
The NFL has created a product we all freaking can't get enough of.
Networks and services lining up to pay them hundreds of millions just to air a single game. It's crazy.
They're doing juuuusstttt fine.