NFL TV ratings were down another 10% for the 2017 season, indicating the league may not be as popular as it once was; but, Fanatics sales figures tell another story. The company reported that NFL fans spent 40% more on team apparel (jerseys, shirts, jackets etc.) YTD, then they did in Q1 ‘17. CEO Doug Mack also put to rest any talk that the NFL is losing popularity. Despite being Fanatics’ biggest league partner in terms of merchandise sales, it’s the company’s fastest growing league partner (YOY).
Howie Long-Short: The NFL acquired 3% of Fanatics in May 2017 for $95 million, at a $3.17 billion valuation; which was more than 2x revenue at the time. Noteworthy, as retailers Dick’s Sporting Goods (DKS) and Hibbett Sports, Inc. (HIBB) currently have market caps ($3.68 billion, $444 million) worth roughly half of what they generated in 2017 sales ($7.92 billion, $973 million). That’s of no concern to NFL owners though, one was quoted as saying he could see Fanatics growing “anywhere from 8-10x”.
Fan Marino: NFL draft season is upon us (draft is April 26-28). It’s a particularly heavy QB class, with 6 players (Darnold, Rosen, Allen, Mayfield, Rudolph, Jackson) having the chance to be selected on Day 1. The NYJ, looking for a QB since ’69, gave up 3 2nd round selections (to Indianapolis) for the right to move from the 6th spot to the 3rd spot. One would think that would guarantee the team a QB, but ProFootballTalk isn’t so sure; Mike Florio believes Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State) is the guy the team is targeting. As a Jets fan, I know where this is going (WATCH).
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