Why most NFL owners don't care if the team wins or loses regardless of the fans.

[Since1981]

Terry could be spending his time on any hobby, but he chose this one. just like we did. I believe he wants the same things we do. He and his family will never spend $7B. Jess gives us family mindset and perspective. she works tirelessly even though she’s already has $$ for future for generations. Terry’s a great owner who doesn’t have to do this, but he does. 

[The 9 Isles]

Most players don’t care past the moment. 
 

Fans are way more emotionally invested considering we pay for the privilege. 
 

It’s all rather ridiculous if you think about it. 
 

 

 

 

 

.

Edited 5 hours ago by The 9 Isles

[Kirby Jackson]

They haven’t needed to sell a single ticket since before Terry was the owner. The system is set up to be profitable regardless. 
 

They absolutely care about wining. Some more than others but every single one cares about winning. In fact, some of the owners that we consider the “worst” care about winning the most. It becomes, “what level of personal sacrifice are you willing to make, or are capable of making, to win?” That question varies by owner.

 

I worked for an owner that was poor by ownership standards. He cared about winning as much as anyone that I knew. His partner, who he didn’t get along with, was considered rich by ownership standards. He too cared about winning way more than most. The difference was that the minority owner could make mistakes that the majority owner couldn’t because bankrolling those mistakes impacted him infinitely less.
 

 

[Casey D]

Billionaires did not become billionaires by not being highly competitive.  Saying they don't give a ***** about winning and losing is ridiculous-- they are driven by competing.  Ever see how much rich people spend a racehorses to win a Breeders Cup or KY Derby.  They lose a bundle just trying to win a horse race because they are competing. 

[SoonerBillsFan]

2 minutes ago, Since1981 said:

Terry could be spending his time on any hobby, but he chose this one. just like we did. I believe he wants the same things we do. He and his family will never spend $7B. Jess gives us family mindset and perspective. she works tirelessly even though she’s already has $$ for future for generations. Terry’s a great owner who doesn’t have to do this, but he does. 

Hobby is the key word, that's all it is to most owners.   Its more than that to most fans

1 minute ago, Casey D said:

Billionaires did not become billionaires by not being highly competitive.  Saying they don't give a ***** about winning and losing is ridiculous-- they are driven by competing.  Ever see how much rich people spend a racehorses to win a Breeders Cup or KY Derby.  They lose a bundle just trying to win a horse race because they are competing. 

I disagree, but I get what you mean and appreciate your perspective 

[ChronicAndKnuckles]

1 hour ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

Two reasons.

 

1. Most are Billionaires outside of the NFL on their own.

2. Their teams make tons of money even if they suck.

 

But how can that be?  Well  first off for the 2025 NFL fiscal year, each team is expected to receive approximately $432.6 million in national revenue from sources like media rights, sponsorships, and licensing. This represents a 7.5% increase from the previous year, driven by the league's growing media deals with traditional broadcasters and streamers like Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube. 

 

The salary cap is $279.2 million per team.

 

So math says that is a 153.4 Million dollar profit by doing NOTHING.  Nothing... just sitting there.   They could literally have ZERO fans in the stands and still make a profit.  I get that there are stadium upkeep costs... which are mostly covered by the county and state per the stadium deal. They have to pay for signing bonuses, coaches salaries and what not, but that is easily covered by that 153 mill. (and those are tax deductions BTW).  So after all the costs, taxes, etc. you can bet an owner brings in minimum of 50 Million net and again that is if the Stadium NEVER has one fan in a seat.  PSL's, concessions, tickets, merchandise sales, that is all just icing on the cake, its the TV deals that make the wheel turn.

 

Why do you think shahid khan never cared that the Jags only had 13000 or so in the stands and he had to close off part of the seating?  Why do you think Brown doesn't care to pay for an OL or a Defense in Cincy?  Many of us came from an Era where almost all the Owners gave a damn about WINNING.  The Maras, Rooney's, DeBartolo's  and you bet your arse Al Davis all cared about winning.  Now its about TV and making a profit, they KNOW fans will flock to the stadiums, they just will.

 

I bring this up because my Brother Rich and I had a long conversation about this yesterday after the game and YES it started off focusing on IF Pegula would make a change in Regime AND we were remembering the NFL under Tagliabue (RIP Sir).  We agreed that we feel the NFL was better back then and maybe peaked under his time as the Commissioner. 

 

 As for Terry Pegula making a change, No.  We feel he has no incentive to, for the above listed reasons AND the Bills sure as hell look better than the sabers. But then we talked football in General again thinking about the current state overall, how we feel its watered down, and a pathetic shell of what it once was.  Why is Officiating so bad?  Well the owners don't care (see above) and we feel Vegas has a lot to do with it. And YES I am saying I think refs are being persuaded in some form by Vegas.

 

In the end the reality is this... watch or don't watch, spend your money on the Bills or any other team or don't.  Bottom line "It is what it is" and we have NO say, and NEVER will, in any of it.  We are all just along for the ride.  

 

End of Rant.  

I used to be so much more tied up into this team. The Bills were a gigantic part of my life since my early days on the old BBMB. A loss especially like the Dolphins one would have me pretty messed up for a few days afterwards. Now i don’t get nearly as affected by a loss. Part of it is growing up for sure, but the other part is the decline of the NFL in pretty much every facet. It just doesn’t seem like we have the big personalities anymore that I remember seeing in the 90s - early 2000s. Guys like Ray Lewis, Polamalu, John Elway, Bruce Smith were mythical in the vain of great warriors. Social media definitely destroyed that.

 

The greed of the owners will ultimately be the end of them. It’s only a matter of time before a major gambling scandal breaks open and the integrity of the game is even more destroyed. Goodell is a great businessman, but as far as i’m concerned, he destroyed a great product just to make a little extra money. What’s wrong with having 3 billion instead of 5 billion ? When does it end ? 

[machine gun kelly]

58 minutes ago, Gregg said:

I wish Terry had a George Steinbrenner attitude when it came to winning and losing. I remember a famous quote he once said. "The two most important things in life are breathing and winning and not necessarily in that order". George wasn't perfect but, in my lifetime, I have seen the Yanks win 7 World Series with him as the owner.

That was a good point on George.  I met him once.  I was a medical device repeat the time before mgmt, and had to meet an uber rich guy on a private plane for a unique CGM device (the first and I was one of only 7 pilot territories to field test).  Steinbrenner was in the Tampa private airport next to TPA.  I’m waiting for the billionaire flying in from an island in the Gulf.  I saw him and introduced myself.  He was so gracious, spoke to me about how my dad was invited for a tryout in 1955 after Korea for the then Brooklyn Dodgers.  He asked more questions about my dad as he was waiting for his private jet.  Many know he has the Yankees preseason stadium in Tampa and an incredible philanthropist in the Tampa Bay Area.

 

My point in this inconsequential story was he was nothing but decent, friendly to a young (at the time) ambitious med device rep who was a go getter.   I agree with the premise that so many owners make $ no matter what and is a simple investment.  Steinbrenner truly cared about winning.  As stated, so did the Maras, Rooneys, and so on.

 

So far, I still like the Pegulas and believe he wants to win to a point.  I’m one of the only not NHL fans even though an immediate family members has worked for the Sabres for 25 years.  When I was younger my ex wife’s trade off was I can be obsessed with the Bills and the NFL as long as it was not every sport.  She put up with me for 22 years, and my current wife basically when I start yelling at my iPad or tv, she’s  basically states I’m going to Costco.

 

What the McBeane administration does from now til the end of the year will be telling.

[Gregg]

2 minutes ago, Since1981 said:

Terry could be spending his time on any hobby, but he chose this one. just like we did. I believe he wants the same things we do. He and his family will never spend $7B. Jess gives us family mindset and perspective. she works tirelessly even though she’s already has $$ for future for generations. Terry’s a great owner who doesn’t have to do this, but he does. 

 

I will always be grateful to the Pegula's for buying the Bills and doing their part in getting the new stadium built that keeps the Bills future in WNY going forward. Their ownership with the team has mostly been a successful one. But I think we are reaching a point where a change in the FO is needed. Will Terry make a change. I think Kim would but unfortunately, she is dealing with serious health issues and is not involved with the team anymore. 

[Big Turk]

20 minutes ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

Again, this is a tax write off for a guy who is worth 9 bill of his own.

 

And you have missed what I was saying completely, all you want to do is argue just to argue. My main point was with the NFL as a whole.  All I said about Terry is he has no incentive to make a regime change.  If you disagree with that component,put up a valid discussion  challenging that part.

 

I will say this, and I will die on this hill,  KIM is the one who wanted the Bills and would have truly put all she had into winning.

 

This has been the 2nd winningest team in all of pro sports in the last 6 years. I mean, sure, it would be nice to win a Championship and they SHOULD win a championship, but you could just as easily take a major step backwards as you could forwards by replacing two people that have been pretty freaking good overall in the grand scheme of things.

[corta765]

Albert Breer on his podcast over summer said that there are like 7-8 owners who legit want to win. The rest it is a toy or showing item etc.. win or loss they are in the club.

Edited 4 hours ago by corta765

[BeastMaster]

So while there is alot of truth in the OP, there are some things that weren't mentioned

 

One thing I'd like to point out is that while there are owners that only care to make money and aren't overly concerned with winning, there are others that care quite a bit.

 

Then there's others that don't like having a team that is ridiculed and mocked for being bad/sucking

 

Say what you will about Terry Pegula, but the man has spent money with the intention of having a quality franchise that competes for a championship every season.

 

The man is a lot of things, but he's not content with letting the Bills circle the drain

[SoonerBillsFan]

24 minutes ago, Big Turk said:

 

This has been the 2nd winningest team in all of pro sports in the last 6 years. I mean, sure, it would be nice to win a Championship and they SHOULD win a championship, but you could just as easily take a major step backwards as you could forwards by replacing two people that have been pretty freaking good overall in the grand scheme of things.

Thank you.  

[Boatdrinks]

2 hours ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

Two reasons.

 

1. Most are Billionaires outside of the NFL on their own.

2. Their teams make tons of money even if they suck.

 

But how can that be?  Well  first off for the 2025 NFL fiscal year, each team is expected to receive approximately $432.6 million in national revenue from sources like media rights, sponsorships, and licensing. This represents a 7.5% increase from the previous year, driven by the league's growing media deals with traditional broadcasters and streamers like Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube. 

 

The salary cap is $279.2 million per team.

 

So math says that is a 153.4 Million dollar profit by doing NOTHING.  Nothing... just sitting there.   They could literally have ZERO fans in the stands and still make a profit.  I get that there are stadium upkeep costs... which are mostly covered by the county and state per the stadium deal. They have to pay for signing bonuses, coaches salaries and what not, but that is easily covered by that 153 mill. (and those are tax deductions BTW).  So after all the costs, taxes, etc. you can bet an owner brings in minimum of 50 Million net and again that is if the Stadium NEVER has one fan in a seat.  PSL's, concessions, tickets, merchandise sales, that is all just icing on the cake, its the TV deals that make the wheel turn.

 

Why do you think shahid khan never cared that the Jags only had 13000 or so in the stands and he had to close off part of the seating?  Why do you think Brown doesn't care to pay for an OL or a Defense in Cincy?  Many of us came from an Era where almost all the Owners gave a damn about WINNING.  The Maras, Rooney's, DeBartolo's  and you bet your arse Al Davis all cared about winning.  Now its about TV and making a profit, they KNOW fans will flock to the stadiums, they just will.

 

I bring this up because my Brother Rich and I had a long conversation about this yesterday after the game and YES it started off focusing on IF Pegula would make a change in Regime AND we were remembering the NFL under Tagliabue (RIP Sir).  We agreed that we feel the NFL was better back then and maybe peaked under his time as the Commissioner. 

 

 As for Terry Pegula making a change, No.  We feel he has no incentive to, for the above listed reasons AND the Bills sure as hell look better than the sabers. But then we talked football in General again thinking about the current state overall, how we feel its watered down, and a pathetic shell of what it once was.  Why is Officiating so bad?  Well the owners don't care (see above) and we feel Vegas has a lot to do with it. And YES I am saying I think refs are being persuaded in some form by Vegas.

 

In the end the reality is this... watch or don't watch, spend your money on the Bills or any other team or don't.  Bottom line "It is what it is" and we have NO say, and NEVER will, in any of it.  We are all just along for the ride.  

 

End of Rant.  

Well, you’re correct that fans have no say and never will. Hopefully no one here ever thought otherwise. It’s a business and always has been. That’s the bottom line. Sure , it’s entertainment but not anything more. I’d also agree that the NFL was probably at its best during the earlier part of the Tagliabue era. 

[corta765]

39 minutes ago, Big Turk said:

 

This has been the 2nd winningest team in all of pro sports in the last 6 years. I mean, sure, it would be nice to win a Championship and they SHOULD win a championship, but you could just as easily take a major step backwards as you could forwards by replacing two people that have been pretty freaking good overall in the grand scheme of things.

This is the type of attitude that ensures you do not win rings. At some point change is necessary when you cannot get your ultimate goal. Reid in PHI at least made a SB and still was given years after to try before the message faded. After that PHI has not stopped trying to be the best org possible and has went through a few guys including one who did win a ring there. Fact remains settling creates complacency and that is now seeping into this team. You can see it from the comments yesterday about a 2-7 team being more prepared and wanting it more then our guys.

 

Yea there is some risk with new mgmt/coach, but I take the gamble on the upside vs the same that we have been getting as the coach in the biggest moments wilt and the GM is too arrogant to make the proper moves which is now killing the offense.

[Sweats]

I've been saying this exact same thing for years about NFL owners........at the end of the day, they answer to the shareholders, not the fans.

 

NFL owners make money whether there are asses in the seats or not. The real money comes from marketing and merchandise, so just imagine how profitable it was for the organization when JA's jersey was the hottest thing going and most places couldn't even keep it in stock fast enough, so not only is it Beane and McD riding JA's coat tails, but the whole FO is also hitching their wagons on that cash cow.

 

The FO will do just enough to throw a half decent team on the field each season, then blame injuries, etc. when things start going sideways........you know, they have to look at the tape, play complimentary football, etc.

 

The FO has yet to show that they are serious about where this team is headed.

They have no identity, no heart, no fire, no passion, no talent and no clue.........tell me, is that the recipe for a championship team?

[US Egg]

3 hours ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

Again, this is a tax write off for a guy who is worth 9 bill of his own.

 

 

[Kirby Jackson]

2 hours ago, Big Turk said:

 

This has been the 2nd winningest team in all of pro sports in the last 6 years. I mean, sure, it would be nice to win a Championship and they SHOULD win a championship, but you could just as easily take a major step backwards as you could forwards by replacing two people that have been pretty freaking good overall in the grand scheme of things.

I guess this is where there is so much disagreement on this board. What’s the floor for the Bills with this schedule and Josh Allen? If you hired an average coach from NCAA/NFL what’s the worst that they would be with this group? 11-6 maybe? They were the betting favorite in all 17 games prior to the year. It feels to me like “insert average coach here” and you’d win 11+. I fail to see the downside? That’s why I’ve been team make a change since 13 seconds. I believe lots and lots and lots of coaches could win the AFCE & a playoff game or 2 with Josh Allen and their schedule. 

[BillsPride12]

This might be an unpopular take on this board but I've always felt like Pegula genuinely wants to bring championships to Buffalo

 

The problem is he just doesn't have a clue on how to run successful sports franchises 

[Low Positive]

2 hours ago, ChronicAndKnuckles said:

I used to be so much more tied up into this team. The Bills were a gigantic part of my life since my early days on the old BBMB. A loss especially like the Dolphins one would have me pretty messed up for a few days afterwards. Now i don’t get nearly as affected by a loss. Part of it is growing up for sure, but the other part is the decline of the NFL in pretty much every facet. It just doesn’t seem like we have the big personalities anymore that I remember seeing in the 90s - early 2000s. Guys like Ray Lewis, Polamalu, John Elway, Bruce Smith were mythical in the vain of great warriors. Social media definitely destroyed that.

 

The greed of the owners will ultimately be the end of them. It’s only a matter of time before a major gambling scandal breaks open and the integrity of the game is even more destroyed. Goodell is a great businessman, but as far as i’m concerned, he destroyed a great product just to make a little extra money. What’s wrong with having 3 billion instead of 5 billion ? When does it end ? 

You got older. None of the stars seem as big when you're an adult, especially when you are older than they are. It's why, for me, Tom Brady could never eclipse Joe Montana. Tom Brady was a great QB. Joe Montana was a folk hero of my childhood.  I'm sure people older than me feel that way about a Rodger Staubach or a Terry Bradshaw. 

[Bray Wyatt]

The OP premise seems flawed. Why keep McD on and pay him more than some shlub off the street if it didnt matter and only money did?