During his time in the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump was a vocal critic of NFL owners for allowing their players to kneel during the national anthem in protest of systemic racism. Now, Trump has once again turned his attention to the world of sports, focusing on the economic challenges that he believes are preventing many fans from attending games.
During an appearance on SiriusXM’s “Let’s Go!” podcast hosted by Bill Belichick and Jim Gray, Trump spoke about the obstacles sports fans face today.
The former president specifically criticized major sports leagues for what he perceives as out-of-control ticket prices, which he believes are pushing middle-class fans out of the experience of attending live games. “The leagues are not taking care of their fans. They really aren’t. They’re making it impossible,” Trump said, expressing concern over how rising costs are impacting the ability of average families to enjoy sporting events.
He suggested that if elected again, he would take measures to address this issue, although he did not provide any specific policy details or plans for how he would go about reducing ticket prices.
Trump’s comments highlight a growing sentiment among many sports fans who feel priced out of attending games. According to the Team Marketing Report, the cost for a family of four to attend an NFL game in 2023 was $631.63, marking a 7.1% increase compared to previous years.
This includes expenses such as tickets, parking, and concessions, which have all seen steady increases. The rising costs have made it difficult for many families to afford the experience of watching their favorite teams in person, a reality that Trump pointed to as a failure on the part of the leagues to stay connected with their fan bases.
RELATED: Donald Trump Praises ‘Quadzilla’ NFL Star at Green Bay Rally: ‘Seriously Good Looking Athlete’
Though Trump did not provide specifics on how he plans to tackle high ticket prices, he stated that it would be something he would “work on” if given the chance. His remarks have already sparked debate among sports fans, some of whom share his frustration with rising costs, while others are skeptical of how realistic it would be for a government leader to influence pricing within privately-owned sports leagues.
Trump’s stance on this issue fits into a broader populist message that he has often delivered, portraying himself as a champion of the average American family.
While his remarks may resonate with many frustrated sports fans, it remains to be seen if or how this sentiment could translate into actual policy. Nevertheless, with the increasing commercialization of professional sports and growing concerns over affordability, Trump has tapped into an issue that affects a significant portion of the fan base.
As Election Day approaches, Trump’s comments on sports leagues and ticket prices add yet another dimension to his campaign messaging.
Whether he will be able to gain any traction on this issue remains uncertain, but it is clear that the rising cost of live sports is a topic that resonates with many families across the country, who are increasingly finding themselves priced out of an experience that has long been a staple of American culture.
