From Affordable to Overvalued: What Comes Around, Goes Around
Americans love fall—from vibrant foliage and apple picking to the endless stream of NFL football games. In fact, more than half of Americans consider football the most quintessential American sport, far surpassing cow tipping, reality TV, or even political debates, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center study.
But inflation is changing the game. Fans who once had everything they needed with cable are now juggling multiple streaming subscriptions just to keep up with their favorite teams. This season alone, streaming-only football viewers will need access to seven different platforms, costing over $1,700 a year. Those who still rely on cable will face even higher costs, needing nine different platforms or channels, which can run more than $2,500 annually. With rising food and energy prices tightening budgets, many are forced to rethink their viewing habits, while streaming companies, media agencies, and influencers cash in on the shifting landscape.
The complexity and cost of managing so many platforms can be overwhelming. Take tonight’s Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins game—it’s no longer available on network or cable TV. The exclusive rights belong to Amazon Prime, leaving many fans without easy access unless they subscribe to Amazon Prime or live in Buffalo or Miami where local affiliates offer the game for free.
As competition heats up for billion-dollar media rights, fans are the ones losing out—facing higher costs and more yards to run just to enjoy the game they love. Makes you long for the good old days when you could simply watch a football game on Saturday afternoon by turning a knob on the television. Now, viewers are stuck navigating a maze of subscriptions and high fees just to satisfy that rush.
The media giants may be winning—for now. But, they can’t have their cake and eat too. At some point just like anything with substance and pedigree fans will note that the product is overvalued and fall out of love. Just like when stocks are overvalued, it can lead to sharp market corrections.
