A recent nationwide survey by marketing research firm Savanta reveals that Americans’ passion for football continues to be deeply ingrained, shaping their daily lives, spending habits, and even productivity at work. However, rising ticket prices, travel expenses, and exclusive streaming services are beginning to put a strain on fans, causing some to cut back on game attendance and viewing.
The survey found that 71% of Americans have rearranged, skipped, or declined plans just to watch a football game, underscoring how central the sport is to their lives. At the same time, 56% expressed frustration over NFL games being locked behind specific streaming platforms, adding to the difficulty and cost of following their favorite teams. Meanwhile, nearly 70% of respondents reported reducing their attendance at games due to escalating costs for tickets, travel, and concessions.
Football’s influence extends into the workplace as well, with half of full-time employees acknowledging an impact on their productivity. The ways people watch the sport are evolving too, as 41% now primarily use streaming services to catch games.
Cost remains a significant barrier, with over half of fans spending less than $250 per season on all football-related activities, including tickets, merch, food, travel, and fantasy leagues. However, more than a quarter of respondents put down $500 or more, and a small but notable portion (7%) spends over $2,500 annually on football. Despite fans’ loyalty, 64% feel attending NFL games is unaffordable, though college football games feel slightly more accessible by comparison.
While the NFL maintains its stronghold on audience preference—60% favoring pro football versus 20% for college football—there is growing interest in international games, with 40% believing they help expand the sport’s reach worldwide.
The survey also reflects mixed opinions on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which allow college players to profit from endorsements. While 34% believe NIL deals have improved football overall, nearly half (47%) favor stricter regulations.
Advertising remains a powerful influence on fans, with nearly half reporting that commercials and athlete endorsements affect their purchasing decisions during game day.
Safety concerns, often cited in debates about youth football, appear to be shifting. Only 11% of Americans consider football too dangerous, while 36% believe the NFL has made significant safety improvements. Encouragement for youth participation is growi
ng, with 34% willing to encourage their children to play football—a figure that rises to 45% among parents of kids under 18. Only 18% say they would discourage it based on safety worries.
Overall, the survey highlights the deep cultural impact of football in America while signaling challenges ahead as fans navigate higher costs and changing viewing habits.
The poll was conducted August 13-14, 2025, with a sample of 1,000 U.S. adults and a margin of error of ±3%.
