There is nothing rugby league, rugby union, soccer, or Aussie rules can learn from the way NFL is marketed. Thats why I said its so unique in its nature that its impossible to replicate. You have an administration which has successful pitted all the major 4 network (while also having your own 5th channel) against eachother to bid for the rights. Its incomprehensible here.
You have collective bargaining....once again, I'd love to see that happen here, but the reality is its just not gonna happen. You have blackouts, you have scenarios where building new stadiums is a key keeping your license (but it will also help you), you have exclusivity over 1 million people + in some cities, that get to as high as 8 million (Jets and Giants). 8 million people for 2 teams, and in Melbourne and Sydney we have close to 10 for less than half that. Its ridiculous really when you think about it. And you also have a nation of 300 million who generally like the sport - once again, a major difference - more people = more cash to put it simply.
You have an ingrained culture that stems not just from the professional level, down to college and to high school. League heartland? AFL heartland? You guys havent seen Texas! Its scary. And these are just some of the things.
Its so unique, that I dont think we can really copy anything, apart from perhaps a collective bargaining system, where merchandise sales would be spread out evenly regardless of which club sold the most merchandise. We dont really have the luxury of corporate boxes either - man do those rake in a lot.
Anyway, I digress. Its hard to apply their models to Australia.
