Fans hate it, players hate it, and every August the debate heats up: why does the NFL still force us to sit through preseason football? In this episode of Moneyballers, Zach Quinn breaks down why the preseason isn’t going anywhere—and it all comes down to money. From Dallas pulling nearly $10 million in two exhibition games, to Jacksonville still clearing eight figures in a down market, preseason ticket bundling, parking, and concessions guarantee owners massive cash regardless of wins or losses.

But it doesn’t stop at team gates. Preseason also fuels league-wide revenue sharing, sports betting, sponsorships, and even serves as the owners’ bargaining chip for future CBA negotiations. Killing it would strip away hundreds of millions in revenue, weaken leverage at the negotiating table, and crack open the door to à la carte ticket pricing—something no billionaire is about to risk.So the next time someone says “just get rid of the preseason,” send them this episode. Because the truth is simple: preseason football isn’t about evaluating players. It’s about protecting the NFL’s most valuable asset—money.

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