The NFL has said multiple times that the league remains hopeful that the 2020 season will start on time despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
While starting on time seemingly remains a possibility, the NFL might have to play games without fans in attendance. That would result in a massive hit in revenue generated from ticket sales, concessions, parking, merchandise and in-stadium sponsorships.
If the league has to play games without fans in stands, the NFL would miss out on $5.5 billion, according to an estimate from Forbes’ Mike Ozanian.
That estimate might actually be a little low because Forbes generated that total based on revenue from the 2018 season, not 2019. That $5.5 billion would represent 38% of the league’s total revenue.
The Denver Broncos specifically would miss out on $162 million if they play games without fans at Empower Field at Mile High this season, according to Forbes. That represents a little more than 36% of the team’s total revenue of $446 million (based on 2018 totals).
Denver can only hope that things get better in time for the season.
