NFL Sponsors Put Broadcasters on Notice Ahead of Veterans Day

Papa John’s isn’t the only company taking financial hits because of brand association with the National Football League.

Linda Yaccarino, NBCUniversal’s chairman of advertising sales, has relayed a message major advertisers have for the networks covering the players’ anthem protests: “We will not be part of the NFL if you continue covering it.”

Yaccarino believes the protests have affected the ratings and apparently the companies paying for advertisements during NFL games are putting big pressure on the league and the networks that cover it. These revelations confirm allegations made last week by Papa John’s founder and CEO John Schnatter who said, “NFL leadership (on the anthem issue) has hurt Papa John’s.” Despite being the “official pizza of the NFL,” Papa John’s has indicated that company will distance itself from association with the NFL in future advertising.

On top of Yaccarino’s comments, the recent actions taken by NFL advertisers provide more evidence the anthem protests are extremely unpopular with the viewing public. Companies are suffering the negative impact of brand association with the NFL and advertising investments are losing value as fans decide against watching games. Remember, DirecTV began offering refunds for its premium out-of-market broadcast package and Anheuser-Busch even established a customer hotline to field complaints.

That is why this weekend could be cataclysmic for the NFL, the television networks, and the league’s sponsors. The “Boycott the NFL” movement aims to make its greatest impact by organizing a large-scale, weekend long boycott of NFL games and merchandise and STANDing with veterans in honor of Veterans Day instead. A Facebook group promoting the boycott has over 200,000 followers many veterans groups will be participating as well.

A co-founder of Main Street Patriots, a group that is organizing a Flags Across America Rally this weekend, explained the importance of sending a message to the NFL over Veterans Day:

The U.S. flag and the freedom for which it stands, at levels never before witnessed in our country, is under constant attack from the left and now pampered sports figures. We cannot allow these attacks to go unanswered. Now is the time to be united standing in defense and proper recognition of Old Glory.

Tell the NFL’s leadership why you won’t be watching any games this Veterans Day with this link below:

Contact the NFL!

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