"Several viewing records were set Thursday, including the most-watched regular season NFL game in history. The CBS telecast of the Dallas Cowboys' 31-28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs was watched by 57.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen data. The number blew past the 42 million viewers who watched the Cowboys meeting with the New York Giants, the Thanksgiving game that aired on Fox in 2022."
"The NFL has benefited from the change in Nielsen's audience measurement methodology, which now includes viewing on digital devices and internet connected televisions. The data also includes out-of-home viewing, which is particularly strong for live sports. Before the Thanksgiving weekend, NFL telecasts were averaging 17.7 million viewers, up 6% from last year and the highest level since 2015. "Thursday Night Football," which is streamed on Prime Video, is averaging 14.85 million, a 12% increase."
"From a relative strength standpoint, the NFL is dominant. Since the start of the current season, NFL programs account for 48 of the 50 most watched TV programs, according to Nielsen. The strong performance helps build the case for the NFL to reopen its media rights deal with the networks and streaming platforms carrying its games. The league has an option to opt out of the current 11-year deal after the 2029-30 season. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed an interest in renegotiating sooner."
Thanksgiving NFL telecasts set multiple viewing records, including a CBS Cowboys-Chiefs game watched by 57.2 million viewers and a Fox Lions-Packers early game averaging 47.1 million. NBC's data for the Bengals-Ravens night game will be released later. Nielsen's new methodology now counts digital and internet-connected TV viewing plus out-of-home audiences, raising reported viewership. Season-to-date NFL telecasts averaged 17.7 million viewers, the highest since 2015, while Thursday Night Football on Prime Video averages 14.85 million. NFL shows occupy 48 of the 50 most-watched programs, enhancing the league’s case to renegotiate its media rights deal.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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