Posted on 01/10/2024 1:54:51 AM PST by Red Badger
Legendary NY sports radio host Mike Francesa blasted the NFL this week ... accusing the league of putting profit over loyal fans, opting to exclusively stream the Chiefs vs. Dolphins playoff game on a paid streaming platform, and NOT free TV.
"The NFL, which has the biggest, the best, and the most loyal fanbase anywhere, decides to basically thumb its nose at its fanbase and just make another greedy reach for another bundle of money, like they need it," Francesa said on his BetRivers show, ripping the NFL for the decision which reportedly netted the league around $110 million.
Mike added, "How many people in America don't even know what streaming is?" ... referencing the scores of fans who don't have access to the streaming platform.
Of course, the Chiefs vs. Dolphins playoff game is one of the weekend's most anticipated (and likely would've brought in 30+ million viewers on broadcast TV) ... but unless you live in Miami or K.C., the game won't be on television.
Instead, fans will have to shell out at least $5.99 for a monthly subscription.
The remaining five Wild Card games will air for free on CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX.
“People wait all year for these playoff games. They love these playoff games and you’re gonna now charge them extra for a playoff game? They don’t give enough, you don’t make enough?” Francesa asked.
Mike isn't the only one ticked off ... loads of fans have blasted the league for the Peacock decision. Chiefs DE Charles Omenihu, who will be playing in the game called the move "insane."
Before moving on with his show, Francesa took a parting shot at the decision-makers inside the league offices.
“They show up and are there religiously every Sunday, and now you’re gonna charge them for a playoff game? It is the ultimate slap in the face to the best and most ardent and most dramatically important fanbase in America."
"Nobody gets the ratings even close to what the NFL gets. It’s never enough. Anytime they can find another pile of money to grab, they grab it with both hands, and it never stops.”
Zero?
Just another NFL game not to watch.
The boat is parked out front on the dock alongside the seaplane!
Michigan cheats. Michigan gets rewarded for cheating. I’m out. It’s not just pro ball.
The easiest way to handle this is to not subscribe. Make Peacock (NBC) lose money on the deal with the NFL. That will put a quick stop to it.
My first memory of NFL is from a little b/w cathode ray gizmo. Unitas my first football hero. Haven’t watched more than a few minutes since the Great Kneeling. Not a moment this season. It’s like the first wife, just part of my past.
Right!?
No kneelerball for me.
Most of these instant millionaires are dead broke within three years after their careers in the pro sports. They don’t know how to handle money, taxes, investments, etc.
They buy their mommas big McMansions but then after a few years can’t afford the taxes so they have to sell.
They buy big fancy cars that deteriorate and are worth less each day.
And they are usually in their mid to late thirties, just when other professionals, like doctors , careers are taking off.
So, don’t feel too bad, your guys have the last laughs................
Sure beats being able to dribble a ball. I can dribble my oatmeal (down my chin). I wonder if I could make $20 million a year...even for one year.
I couldn’t care less. I’m still an athlete after many years, but I now have zero interest in professional sports or their minor league NCAA division.
I feel sorry for folks in cities that are paying for the palatial arenas in which these grifting millionaires perform their shows.
It’s not just taxpayers in cities who are paying.
Have you seen the cost overruns for the Bills’ new stadium?
State taxpayers will be on the hook for that. And given that money is fungible, likely even federal taxpayers.
The NFL continues its inevitable decline, soon to join boxing as a sport that was once the most viewed sport on television.
If you know where to go you can watch any sporting event free online. Stream it to your phone or iPad and Cast it from there to your big screen TV.
Like ESPN wanting me to pay for a $40/month subscription in order to watch the NCAA Championship Game. I watched a free movie on another channel instead.
“Mike added, “How many people in America don’t even know what streaming is?” ... referencing the scores of fans who don’t have access to the streaming platform.”
Mike ain’t up with the times - or thinks football fans are as stupid as Biden.
In Arizona, the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Coyotes (hockey) are broadcasting ALL their scheduled games on over the air TV.
Almost every night, a professional sports team is on for FREE.
This contrasts to the NFL’s streaming ventures.
If they are still supporting the National Felon League with their dollars they are dumber than Biden.
I don’t know about the Suns, but the Coyotes are in serious distress and have been a prime candidate for relocation in the NHL for years. They’re almost at the point where they need to pay TV viewers to watch their games.
Is it a playoff game or TSwift concert?
Both!.....................
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