Did MrBeast really buy the NFL? Viral video explained

On September 3, YouTube star MrBeast shocked sports fans and bettors alike with a video titled “I bought the NFL.” The clip showed commissioner Roger Goodell announcing that Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, had taken over the league. With a podium speech and dramatic claims of “official ownership,” the stunt had many wondering if the billionaire creator really pulled off the biggest sports buy in history.

What actually happened

The announcement wasn’t real. The video quickly shifted into parody, showing YouTubers like iShowSpeed, Dude Perfect, Haley Baylee, and Brooke Monk being “drafted” into NFL teams. The idea of swapping a 53-man roster for 54 players—with the extra spot reserved for influencers—was never part of official league plans.

In reality, the NFL remains owned by over half a million stakeholders, with each franchise controlled by a principal owner. The exception is the Green Bay Packers, run by a board of directors.

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Why MrBeast made the stunt

The video was a creative promotion for YouTube’s broadcast rights. The platform will stream the Los Angeles Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs matchup on September 5—for free. MrBeast closed the video urging viewers: “It’s literally free, why not?”

For bettors, this means a huge game will be widely accessible, adding more eyeballs and betting activity around one of the NFL’s hottest early-season clashes.

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Could MrBeast really buy into the NFL?

The idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. At 27, MrBeast has confirmed he is a billionaire “on paper,” backed by his record-breaking 430 million YouTube subscribers. While he admits to keeping under a million dollars liquid in his personal accounts—choosing instead to reinvest—his empire continues to grow.

NFL teams are valued in the billions, with the Washington Commanders selling for over $6 billion last year. While a full-league buyout is impossible, a stake in a franchise could be within reach if his momentum continues.