When it comes to sports, whether it is watching or playing, Australians are very passionate. Although we often see differences and clashes away from sport, sports unite everyone.
Evidence suggests that the most popular sport in America is the NFL. However, this sport isn’t just popular in the USA, it is popular in many other countries around the world too and is believed to be the ninth most popular sport in the world.
One country that loves watching the NFL as much as America is Australia. Evidence suggests that last year, over 390,000 Australians tuned in to watch the Super Bowl. This is a big percentage of the Australian population. But what makes American football so attractive to people who have grown up watching Australian football? Keep reading below to find out all about the NFL and why it is so popular in Australia.
What Are the NFL and the AFL?
If you’re wondering what the NFL and AFL are, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what NFL and AFL stand for:
- The NFL – The NFL (National Football League) is a professional American football league that was first formed in 1920.
- The AFL – The AFL (Australian Football League) is the indigenous sport of Australia that has been played for over 150 years.
Difference Between NFL and AFL
Although the NFL and the AFL are remarkably similar, there are some key differences between them.
- The rules – the rules of Aussie football are completely different to the rules of American football.
- The shape of the football pitch – Aussies play on an oval-shaped pitch that is between 135-165 metres long and the NFL plays on a rectangular shaped pitch that measures 91.44 metres in length.
- The number of players – unsurprisingly, given the size of Aussie pitches, they have more players on the field at any one time. Compared to American football, which has just eleven players on the pitch at any one time, Aussie football has eighteen.
- The number of teams in the league – the AFL is made up of eighteen teams, while the NFL is made up of thirty-two teams.
- The popularity – although Aussie football is extremely popular in Australia, evidence suggests that the NFL is more popular among Australian residents.
Why is the NFL So Popular in Australia?
One of the main reasons why the NFL is so popular in Australia is because most Australians understand the game and how it is played. But why do Australians understand the game so well when they have been brought up playing Aussie football? The answer is quite simple really, the NFL is everywhere. Not only have most Australians seen the game being played on television and in movies, but the NFL also widely broadcast their games in Australia, meaning it’s hard to avoid it.
Another reason the NFL is so popular amongst Australian residents is that, compared to Australian football, the NFL has the wow factor. It is not just a sport, it’s also a showcase extravaganza. Many Australians like the glitz and glamour that the NFL provides.
However, these aren’t the only reasons why the NFL is so popular in this country. Another reason it is so popular is that it’s an easy sport to bet on. Most Australians like to place a bet on their favourite football teams, however, many of them find it difficult to know which team is likely to do well. The good news for fans of the NFL who want to place a bet is that because the NFL is so popular, there are lots of amazing NFL tips and plenty of betting advice available to help them make the right decision.
What Does the Future Hold for NFL in Australia?
Over the next few years, we expect to see the popularity of the NFL increase in Australia. One of the main reasons is that the NFL has recently signed a $100 billion broadcast deal. This deal is great news for the NFL as it means their matches will continue to be broadcast on Australian T.V.
As you can see from the evidence above, the NFL is one of the most popular sports in Australia. Compared to other sports, the NFL generates bigger TV contracts, larger crowds, bigger money sponsors, and more fans around the world, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon.