NFL is on the way out.
People forget, but look at the decline in the popularity of Baseball in the past 40 years. 2 players strikes during that time have radically changed the fan base.
ENTERTAINERS should remember that they are JUST that: entertainers. We go to diversions to FORGET about routine life for a short time. We can easily do without a specific form of entertainment when partaking of that particular diversion becomes too much like real life.
Pro athletes, writers, actors, musicians.... none have a “right” to a chunk of our disposable income. We don’t NEED to pay for their particular diversion.
I keep hearing about the demise of baseball here on FR. I watch a lot of baseball these days, and I am seeing big crowds at a lot of ballparks. Here in Houston, the Astros are regularly sold out or near it. I remember the last series the Astros had with the Rangers in Arlington, and even that last place team had most of the seats filled.
However, I will add that I stepped away from baseball for a long time after the last strike ('94 or '95?). Before the strike, I was Mr. Baseball; couldn't get enough of it. I did not consciously step away, but because the strike lasted so long, I found other uses for my time, and found I did not miss watching it. I tried to get back into it when it returned, but I just found it boring. For some reason, I started watching it again about 5 years ago, and now I catch almost every Astros game. It was fun to see them slowly assemble the pieces of a championship team after being the worst team in baseball.
It is a mistake for any entertainment venue to let their fans realize they don't really need them. I eventually came back to baseball after more than 10 years away. Some never do once they leave. I don't see myself following the NFL ever again.