The fictional skit, also featuring Commissioner Goodell, successfully generated massive online buzz ahead of the Chiefs vs. Chargers matchup. ( Image Credits: X/ @pubity)
In a bold and playful marketing move, the NFL has teamed up with YouTube's biggest stars to promote its historic first-ever free global stream on the platform. A new commercial features megastar MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, with MrBeast jokingly claiming, “I bought the NFL and put YouTubers on each team.” The video, released Wednesday, quickly went viral, generating major buzz and a dose of confusion ahead of the free YouTube stream of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers game on September 5.
The promo is a series of lighthearted, staged skits designed to capture the attention of a massive online audience. It opens with MrBeast and Commissioner Goodell standing side-by-side at a mock press conference, setting the tone for the fictional narrative. MrBeast has acquired the entire league and is using his newfound "power" to install well-known internet creators on NFL teams, which is the main, funny premise.
The video includes segments where MrBeast FaceTimes TikTok creator Haleyy Baylee, who pleads to be placed on the Minnesota Vikings. MrBeast responds, “I own the NFL now, what do you need?” before "assigning" her to the team with a nod from Goodell. Other scenes show streamer iShowSpeed meeting with Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill and creator Sketch linking up with Chargers safety Derwin James Jr.
The short answer is no. The commercial is entirely a work of fiction designed for entertainment and viral marketing. In reality, the NFL is not a single entity that can be purchased by an individual. Its 32 franchise teams, each of which is a highly valuable company, own it jointly.
The financial scale makes the idea impossible. While MrBeast is immensely successful with an estimated net worth of $85 million, the average NFL team is valued at over $7.1 billion. Even MrBeast cannot afford this one acquisition because the total cost of acquiring all 32 teams would be well out of reach for any individual.
This innovative campaign serves a specific strategic purpose: to promote the league's groundbreaking decision to stream a regular-season game globally for free on YouTube. By collaborating with platform-native celebrities like MrBeast, iShowSpeed, and Sketch, the NFL is interacting directly with their sizable, youthful, and international fan bases.
The stunt effectively bridges the gap between the traditional sports world and the digital creator economy, generating immense online discussion and driving viewers toward the free stream on September 5.
Commissioner Goodell's presence lends a level of realism and humor that embraces the premise's ridiculousness while still acknowledging it.
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The commercial successfully sparked major online buzz, with clips and reactions spreading rapidly across social media platforms. While many viewers immediately understood the joke, the realistic presentation did cause some momentary confusion and speculation, which only added to the campaign's viral reach. Overall, the response has been favorable, with supporters applauding the NFL for its innovative and cutting-edge marketing strategy and ability to interact with a new generation of fans on their home field.
