NFL criticizes Nielsen for rushed TV ratings changes
ESPN NFL • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 8:19 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
The NFL has expressed dissatisfaction with Nielsen's new methodology for measuring viewership, labeling the changes as rushed. Set to begin on August 31, the modifications include alterations to how simultaneous viewership is assessed. Following a record-setting season with an average of 18.7 million viewers per game in 2025, the league is concerned these adjustments could negatively impact ratings. NFL data chief Paul Ballew stated that the league is trying to understand the implications of these changes, emphasizing their importance to the sport. Nielsen claims the updates aim to improve accuracy in measuring live sports audiences.
- •NFL calls Nielsen's changes to ratings methodology "rushed".
- •New audience measurement techniques start on August 31.
- •League averaged 18.7 million viewers per game in 2025, a 10% increase from 2024.
- •Paul Ballew emphasizes need for accurate audience metrics.
- •Nielsen defends changes, citing improved measurement accuracy.
- 9:01 PMESPN NFL — NFL unhappy about changes to TV ratings system
- 7:42 PMYahoo Sports — NFL complains about changes by Nielsen to TV ratings measurements
"The NFL is upset about changes made by Nielsen in its methodology for measuring viewership for the upcoming season, calling them “rushed” and saying they will have a negative impact on sports. Nielsen announced plans this week to change how it measures audiences on television, beginning on Aug. 31, including alterations to how the company measures whether multiple people are watching an event at the same time. The NFL is coming off one of its most successful seasons ever on television after Nielsen began using its Big Data + Panel methodology for all events last September.
"The NFL is upset about changes made by Nielsen in its methodology for measuring viewership for the upcoming season, calling them "rushed."
Sources
External links- ESPN NFLAug 20, 2026, 9:01 PMNFL unhappy about changes to TV ratings system
The NFL is upset about changes made by Nielsen in its methodology for measuring viewership for the upcoming season, calling them "rushed."
- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 7:42 PMNFL complains about changes by Nielsen to TV ratings measurements
The NFL is upset about changes made by Nielsen in its methodology for measuring viewership for the upcoming season, calling them “rushed” and saying they will have a negative impact on sports. Nielsen announced plans this week to change how it measures audiences on television, beginning on Aug. 31, including alterations to how the company measures whether multiple people are watching an event at the same time. The NFL is coming off one of its most successful seasons ever on television after Nielsen began using its Big Data + Panel methodology for all events last September.
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