Will the 2024 NFL Season be the most bet on Season in US History?
Based on broadcast coverage and viewing figures, American football is the most popular sport in the US. While baseball is still considered by many to be the national sport, football has the edge in terms of that popularity.
Within American football, the NFL is the most prominent organization. The National Football League features the best players and the top teams of all. It’s unchallenged, but thanks to the rise of associated industries, the interest continues to grow.
Rise of the NFL
The National Football League was formed in 1920 and was originally called the American Professional Football Association. The current name was established in 1922. For a number of years, the NFL had a rival in the American Football League, and the two competitions ran concurrently.
The NFL and the AFL merged in 1967, and the Super Bowl was also incepted at this time. From the date of the merger, the league has gone from strength to strength, and it is the premier competition within American football.
Fifty-seven years on from its birth, interest in the NFL shows no sign of slowing down.
The Biggest Yet?
After a few years of fluctuations, viewing figures for the 2022 NFL season were the biggest on record. On CBS alone, it was revealed that some 18.5 million people tuned in on average to each game.
That rise suggests that there will be more positive developments in 2023 and into the Super Bowl at the start of 2024. Viewing stats are influenced by many factors, but the rise in sports betting across the United States may be having a significant part to play.
The Story of Sports Betting
In 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned an earlier ruling which had effectively banned sports betting across the country. Now it was up to individual states to decide whether or not to allow the practice.
Early adopters included Nevada and New Jersey, areas that had previously been open to land-based casinos. It was obvious that they would lead from the front, but other states have been more cautious.
As we head into the new NFL season, betting on sports in Louisiana is not new, for States like Ohio and Mass, this is their NFL season. In summary, the number of states adopting sports betting continues to grow, and that could mean that the new campaign is the most bet on NFL season in history.
Growth Spurt
Projections suggest that the US sports betting industry is enjoying a fast period of growth. That’s partly because more states are legalizing the process, but it’s also due to more Americans getting involved in regions where online betting is already available.
At the start of 2023, some forecasts suggested that revenue could grow by up to 50%. Even if that projection were to fall short, there is likely to be a significant boost to income.
Maintaining Standards
The increase in availability will ultimately decide whether more bets are placed on the NFL in the upcoming season. However, in order to maintain interest across the board, the action on the field has to keep fans engaged.
In February 2023, we witnessed one of the most thrilling and highest-scoring Super Bowl games in history. The Kansas City Chiefs took on the Philadelphia Eagles with the Chiefs prevailing by 38 points to 35.
By the end of the third quarter, the Eagles were ahead 27-21, before Kansas City mounted a remarkable comeback to win the game.
The match capped off a highly entertaining season, and the NFL needs to maintain those standards if its fanbase is to grow. Fortunately, the new campaign promises to be one of the most competitive of all time.
Looking Ahead
Predictions for the 2024 NFL season suggest that last year’s Super Bowl contenders, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, will be strong once again. Kansas City are the favorites to retain their crown, with Philadelphia close behind, but stiff competition is expected.
Other franchise teams with a strong chance in 2024 include the Buffalo Bills, the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals. The market is tight at the top, before a chasing pack is led by the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens.
In the off season, all 32 teams will have looked to strengthen their rosters in the NFL draft and via additional trades. There’s always scope for an upset, and that’s why the league is so thrilling.
In order for the new NFL season to be the most bet on in history, it requires two factors. An increase in the availability of sportsbooks across the US has to be matched by entertainment on the field of play. Looking ahead, the criteria are almost certain to be met, so we should see even more engagement between those customers and their sports betting providers.
