NFL viewership rises as ESPN, Amazon see strong audience gains

As the 2026 NFL season reaches its midpoint, viewership is nearing a historic high. The league averages 18.3 million viewers per game through Week 9, marking a 2% increase from 2025. ESPN's Monday Night Football is averaging 19 million viewers, a 24% rise, while Amazon's Thursday Night Football sees 17.2 million viewers, up 13% from last year. Both ESPN and Amazon benefit from improved game schedules, despite scrutiny on Sunday broadcasts. As Thanksgiving approaches, the league anticipates further audience growth with a new Thanksgiving Eve game on Netflix.

• 3:30 PMYahoo Sports — NFL Viewership Climbs As ESPN, Amazon Deliver Double-Digit Gains