How to Cash in on the NFL Without Buying Stock

Investments Dec 2, 2025

The allure of investing in the NFL is undeniable, given the league’s impressive growth trajectory and massive revenue streams. In 2024 alone, the NFL raked in an astounding $23 billion, with projections to elevate that figure to $25 billion by the year 2027. However, as enticing as this may sound, the opportunity to invest directly in the league remains elusive since the NFL operates as a private entity. Despite this, sports aficionados have a myriad of avenues through which they can share in the financial excitement of the industry.

The NFL: A Private Powerhouse

While the NFL stands as an enticing market giant, it isn’t accessible for public investment due to its private ownership status. Comprising 32 teams that share its national revenues uniformly, this trade association has no imminent IPO plans. Consequently, public investors cannot partake in the league’s direct financial success. Even though the Green Bay Packers allow a unique form of public ownership, it’s more symbolic than profit-driven.

Investing in Sports Stock Staples

Enthusiastic investors can still engage with the sports realm through several lucrative stocks. Companies with ties to major sports franchises offer an attractive alternative:

Atlanta Braves Holdings (NASDAQ: BATR): Emerging as a public entity post-its spinoff, this giant controls much more than just a baseball team.
Madison Square Garden Sports (MSG): This powerhouse boasts ownership of the New York Knicks and Rangers, among others, giving investors a taste of major league action.
Rogers Communications (RCI): Beyond telecommunications, Rogers is a major player in Canadian sports, holding significant assets like the Toronto Blue Jays.

Navigating the IPO Landscape

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) are the first step for private firms to become publicly traded. However, the NFL’s unique structure seems to buffer its necessity for such a transition. While intriguing, the prospect of an NFL IPO remains speculative and distant.

Scoring with ETFs

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) present a diversified way to profit from the sports industry. Though sports-centric ETFs lag in presence, other themed funds, such as the Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF (BETZ) and Invesco Dynamic Leisure and Entertainment ETF (PEJ), provide exposure to sports-adjacent markets.

The Verdict: Beyond Traditional Investments

In a world where passion and profit blend seamlessly, investing in sports outside the NFL opens fresh opportunities for lucrative financial ventures. Opting for stocks tied to major sports operations or engaging with thematic ETFs can yield substantial rewards in a burgeoning industry. As stated in The Motley Fool, the sports sector’s growth hints at promising returns, inviting investors to partake in the victory off the field.