In a positive light, after the whole Streameast fiasco. Youtube had hosted their 1st ever exclusive NFL game. The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The NFL Friday contest drew in 17.3 million people. The majority of those viewers came from the United States, estimating 16.2 million.
The remaining, 1.1 million viewers, were from outside the U.S.
This is an improvement from last year’s opening night Friday game, which drew 14 million viewers. That’s a 16% increase in ratings.
The NFL appears to double down on the international market and it’s working. As long as NBC Sports handles production, then Youtube TV can broadcast any which way they like.
The creator driven experience featuring a lineup of Mr. Beast, Marques Brownlee, and more played a huge role in its success. The NFL and Youtube partnership is combining each brand’s best qualities.
The NFL has the traditional, homely market at its knees and Youtube has the younger, streaming-adjacent component right by its side.
Now, if they can get streamer stars such as Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed for next, then the ratings will go blockbuster.
It’s looking like a fruitful partnership for years to come and I’m curious what more plans that both NFL and Youtube will have in their arsenal.
