LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Did you watch the Cincinnati Bengals or Indianapolis Colts this week? Most of us love sports -- especially the NFL this time of year, and while you can still see a game free on television, it's really getting more expensive to be a sports fan.
Consumer reporter John Matarese asks would you love your team so much, if you realized how much you are really spending to be a fan.
Even if you don't travel to a game, the cost of supporting your team is on the rise. Tailgate parties, sports bars, gatherings and a good ticket to the game can come at a price.
A new report from Ally Financial says many sports fans are breaking the bank for their love of the game.
Its survey of thousands of fans found that 57 percent admit to overspending on sports - especially after you've enjoyed that first beer.
The top spending areas:
- Tickets
- Food
- Drinks
- Team shirts and jerseys
- Travel
On average, loyal fans spend $1,600 a year to support their teams. That does not include travel where a single weekend with flights can cost $1,000.
And from the "doesn't that stink file," the rising cost of skipping the food and game tickets and watching at home can still cut into your budget.
The NFL used to be free on network television, but a new report from "The Hill," says streaming games will cost almost $300 a year, if you decide to subscribe to Amazon Prime, Peacock, ESPN, Fox One and now Netflix.
That does not include NFL Sunday Ticket for all games, which lists at about $80 a month or about $300 a year without package discounts.
Of course, you can still be a fan for almost nothing -- for now -- if you watch at home. But even that's going up.
More area business stories:
Ford to boost truck production after supplier fire, adding jobs in Louisville
Kentucky Kingdom unveils plans for 1st new roller coaster in 7 years
Luxurious penthouse on Louisville's waterfront up for sale for $5 million
Four Roses parent company considering $1 Billion sale
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
