They have a million different ways to earn. The main three networks pay for the right to have the games, too. There advertising. There are ticket sales. "The
NFL just wrapped up another monster season off the field that will have league revenue top $20 billion. " They're doing just fine.
How Sports Teams, Leagues and Owners Make Money "The sources of how sports teams and leagues make their money has not changed much over the past 40 years. Tickets, sponsorships and broadcast rights continue to be the main buckets of revenue, while concessions, parking, merchandise and non-team events fill out the income statement. "