The National Football League has long been associated with Thanksgiving Day football, a tradition dating back to the 1930s. For decades, Thanksgiving was known as a showcase for marquee matchups featuring teams like the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. Recently, the NFL expanded that tradition to include the entire holiday weekend, which led to the creation of the Black Friday NFL game.
Origins of the Black Friday Game
As football viewership continued to grow, the NFL saw an opportunity to extend the Thanksgiving football experience beyond Thursday. In 2023, the league officially introduced the first Black Friday NFL game, positioning it as a new holiday fixture. The idea quickly gained traction with fans, broadcasters, and advertisers.
Why Black Friday Is Valuable for the NFL
Black Friday is one of the highest-traffic days for television and digital platforms in the United States. Millions of people are home with family, many off work, and tuned in to their devices for shopping or entertainment. The NFL capitalized on this by adding a Friday game that captures both football fans and casual viewers.
There are three main reasons for the creation of the Black Friday game:
- Audience Growth and Expanded Weekend Coverage
Adding a Friday game extends the holiday football window. Instead of just Thanksgiving Thursday, the NFL now offers three straight days of football leading into Sunday. This increases engagement and keeps fans focused on the league throughout the weekend. - Streaming Strategy and Media Rights
Unlike the Thanksgiving games that are tied to long-term broadcast contracts, the Black Friday game opened a new broadcast opportunity for streaming platforms. This game is streamed exclusively by Amazon Prime Video, showcasing the NFL’s shift toward digital viewing and reaching global audiences. - Advertising and Revenue Potential
Black Friday is a major advertising event. Brands are willing to pay premium rates to reach consumers on one of the biggest shopping days of the year. The NFL’s presence on this day provides a powerful blend of sports entertainment and commercial exposure.
Legal Scheduling Limitations
There are legal restrictions preventing the NFL from playing games on Friday evenings or Saturdays during most of the fall season, in order to protect high school and college football. However, the Black Friday game is scheduled in the afternoon, which allows it to take place without violating those restrictions. This scheduling format ensures the game fits within legal guidelines while maximizing viewership.
What It Means for Fans
For fans, the Black Friday game adds another major NFL event to the holiday calendar. It is timed perfectly for relaxed post-Thanksgiving gatherings, family viewership, and fans already accustomed to watching on Thursdays. The game also appeals to the growing audience of streaming users, making it easier to watch from anywhere without traditional cable.