Tackling The NFL

PRESENTED BY ETHOS

Happy Friday, Future Party. If there are two things Americans love to watch, it’s the NFL and the Olympics. But what they don’t love is struggling to watch them. We explore the unique challenges each presents below.

The US Justice Department has opened an investigation into the NFL over potential anticompetitive practices that may be costing fans.

The Big Picture: There’s no asset more valuable in media than an NFL package — and that’s something the league has been exploiting for years. That has allegedly led to higher prices for consumers trying to catch every game, and reduced spending across other content categories by studios and streamers trying to stay in the pro-football game.

Behind The Investigation: It was only a matter of time before the NFL became too big to not go under the regulatory microscope.

Final Play: For its part, the NFL pushed back, noting that 87% of games were available on local TV (NFL games must be made available in the local markets of the teams playing) and that last season was the most-watched since 1989. What the government may argue, however, is that consumers are effectively forced to spend what’s necessary to keep up with the season… but that’s not out of choice because, well, there’s no other game in town quite like the NFL.

Next Season: With the NFL potentially reopening several of its media-rights deals after the 2029-30 season, expect the Justice Department’s decision on whether to sue to reshape those negotiations.

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The first batch of tickets for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles went on sale this past week, kicking off a gladiatorial battle for the chance to secure a seat in the stands.

Why It Hits: The record demand — and instant complaints — for the tickets shows just how popular the Games will be when they land in LA in two years. It could also become the biggest test case for lottery ticketing the industry has ever seen.

Between The Lines: LA28 is already developing some dramatic stories, according to The NYT.

Checkout: The Olympics said the presale “significantly exceeded” the first week of sales for any Games… and that was just from locals. That could be both a blessing and a curse, as officials are uncertain how many tickets will ultimately be available, as the venues aren’t 100% figured out yet.

Additionally, the Committee is constantly balancing accessible ticket prices with the need to turn a profit… otherwise, any shortfall would be covered by LA taxpayers. LA28 is expected to cost $7.1 billion, with $2.5 billion earmarked to be covered by ticketing and hospitality sales.

Prediction: Official resale platforms won’t go live until next year, but expect margins on those prices to be next level.

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46.4% of you voted Yes, multiple times in yesterday’s poll: Have you ever hosted a garage or estate sale?

“Too many times to count. Now that I’m getting older, it just isn’t worth the hassle. Donating is way easier — and, hopefully, a blessing to others!”

“A lot of heavy lifting (literally), but it’s always fun to meet the neighbors. Making $ seems secondary (head-scratch). Finding a new home for things is key — and it’s surprising how much interest books generate!”

“Tried it once. Just not worth it. Setting everything up. Having enough cash. Dealing with people trying to push already low prices even lower. The cleanup. The time spent doing all of this. Now I take anything I no longer need straight to Goodwill or the equivalent.”

“Once, and never again! People stole things that weren’t for sale and entered areas that were blocked off. Now I donate to the Salvation Army or our local animal shelter gift shop.”

“In fact, a friend and I started a side hustle hosting private estate sales for those living in gated communities. Because garage sales are prohibited, we stage the sales for a list of invitees we know are potential buyers of the items our clients want to sell. It fills a need, and we enjoy putting the sales together.”

Let’s keep the conversation going. Join Poll Of The Day, so your opinions can shine. Discover how your views line up with your peers’, check out cool insights, and have some fun. It’s data with personality.

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