NFL Ticket Sales Report: 49ers Lead, Titans Trail

CNBC has acquired a confidential report from the NFL detailing attendance records for the 2024 season. This 35-page document, typically undisclosed to the public, encapsulates comprehensive data concerning ticket sales, net revenues from ticket sales, portions of gate receipts allocated to visiting teams, and premium prices associated with club seating during both the preseason and regular season.

As per anonymous NFL officials, each franchise is mandated to allocate 34% of its ticket income directly to the NFL, along with earnings from premium seating, following a pre-determined formula. This collection, known as the visiting team's share or VTS, is predominantly divided equally among the 32 NFL teams. In 2024, teams received $27 million each from this fund, an increase from the previous year's $25 million.

The NFL utilizes portions of the VTS funds, not distributed to teams, to support league initiatives such as financing for new stadium construction or upgrades. For instance, the Las Vegas Raiders received a $23.4 million waiver for their stadium, while the Los Angeles Rams were awarded $12.2 million, according to league executives.

On average, NFL teams benefited from $433 million in national revenue in 2024, generated from media contracts, licensing deals, and sponsorships, forming roughly two-thirds of the total league income. The remaining revenue was derived from local sources, including ticket sales, stadium suite rentals, local sponsorships, concessions, and parking.

Leading Teams in Ticket Revenue

The San Francisco 49ers topped all teams with the highest net ticket revenues in 2024, amassing $176.5 million, surpassing the Dallas Cowboys, who placed second by $40.8 million. In contrast, the Tennessee Titans lagged at the bottom with $81.2 million. The Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals followed closely behind.

Looking at average general admission ticket cost, the 49ers charged the most, pricing tickets at $190.78, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles at $184.27, and the Las Vegas Raiders at $165.58. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots, renowned for multiple Super Bowl victories yet absent from the playoffs since 2021, demanded the highest premium for club seats at $471.92, well above the league mean.

2024 Season Attendance Insights

The NFL declined to make any official comments to CNBC regarding the information contained in the Summary of Attendance Statistics report.