NFL Owners Reap Windfall from Trump-GOP Tax Plan While Fans Pay More

September 9, 2025

A new report from Americans for Tax Fairness highlights the extreme economic disparity between NFL franchise owners and fans, with owners earning approximately $600 million annually—7,000 times the average fan's income of $85,000. The Republican tax plan will further widen this gap, giving the wealthiest 0. 1% (including all NFL owners) tax cuts averaging $286,000 in 2026, while typical fans will experience financial losses of about $700 annually due to Trump's tariffs offsetting modest tax cuts.

Who is affected

NFL fans with an average income of $85,000
Billionaire NFL team owners with an average wealth of $10.6 billion
NFL players who earn an average of $860,000 annually with careers lasting about three years
The wealthiest 0.1% of households where NFL owners reside
Recipients of public services like Medicaid and SNAP who may face cuts

What action is being taken

Americans for Tax Fairness is publishing reports highlighting the economic disparity between NFL owners and fans
Republican tax-and-spending plan is providing tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans
Donald Trump's tariff policies are increasing consumer costs, including on game-day concessions
NFL franchises are raising ticket prices, concession costs, and requiring multiple streaming subscriptions to watch games
Democratic leaders are proposing alternative tax policies targeting investment income and billionaire wealth

Why it matters

The economic inequality between fans and owners represents broader wealth disparities in America
Tax policies are widening this gap, with billionaire owners receiving significant tax breaks while fans face higher costs
Fans are experiencing financial burdens from multiple directions: higher ticket prices, expensive concessions, and costly streaming requirements
The tax system treats owners' investment income at lower rates (20%) than players' wages (37%)
The Green Bay Packers demonstrate an alternative ownership model that remains profitable without billionaire control

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint