NFL Blackout Rule Explained

The NFL's blackout rules concern the broadcast of local games that have not sold out. The NFL is happy to let people watch the local team if they can't get seats to the game, but they don't want people staying home to watch the game if seats are still available.

  1. Basics

    • The blackout rule goes into effect if a given game has not sold out within 72 hours of kickoff. The local station with rights to televise the game is prevented from broadcasting it.

    Distance

    • The physical distance of the blackout depends on the broadcast signal of the affected TV stations.

    Satellite

    • Blackout rules affect satellite broadcasts such as NFL Sunday Ticket, as well as local broadcasts.

    Benefits

    • The NFL believes blackout rules are beneficial because it encourages a full stadium, which helps fire up the home team. The league has financial concerns as well because it wants to sell as many tickets as it can.

    Drawbacks

    • Drawbacks come about largely as a result of stadium size and other circumstances. When the Raiders played in Los Angeles, the Coliseum held nearly 100,000 people, which was far more seats the team could sell for one game, so there were frequent blackouts.