MrBeast’s NFL Ownership Stunt Sparks Frenzy, Revealed as Promo for YouTube’s First Free NFL Livestream

New York, NY — September 8, 2025

YouTube megastar MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) once again proved his knack for grabbing global attention, this time by claiming he had done the unthinkable: purchased the NFL. The announcement, dropped in a dramatic new video, sent shockwaves through social media as fans, athletes, and industry insiders scrambled to make sense of the outlandish claim.

Within hours, however, the “purchase” was revealed to be an elaborate promotional stunt tied to YouTube’s first-ever free NFL livestream, showcasing the league’s push to expand digital viewership and MrBeast’s mastery of viral storytelling.

In classic MrBeast style, the video opened with a jaw-dropping statement: “I just bought the NFL.” From there, the YouTuber showcased a series of high-budget clips, including mock press conferences, locker room cameos, and even graphics featuring him holding a commissioner’s gavel.

The bold claim spread like wildfire. Within minutes, hashtags like #MrBeastNFL and #NFLsold began trending worldwide on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Fans flooded comment sections with disbelief, jokes, and theories ranging from tongue-in-cheek celebrations to genuine concerns about the sport’s future.

By the end of the video, MrBeast unveiled the real story: he hadn’t purchased the NFL but had partnered with YouTube to promote its first free livestream of an NFL game.

The reveal drew a mix of reactions. Some fans applauded the creativity and marketing genius, while others felt duped by what they considered “clickbait on steroids.”

“You can’t deny MrBeast knows how to get people talking,” said one fan on Reddit. “He had half the country believing he bought a multi-billion-dollar sports league.”

For the NFL, the collaboration marks another step in reaching younger audiences who are increasingly consuming sports through digital platforms rather than traditional TV. By tapping into MrBeast’s massive following—over 250 million YouTube subscribers—the league positioned itself directly in front of Gen Z and millennial viewers.

Sports business analyst Darren Rovell noted:

“This was never about people believing MrBeast actually bought the NFL. It was about getting millions of eyeballs on the announcement that YouTube is streaming NFL games for free. Mission accomplished.”

While the stunt succeeded in creating buzz, it also sparked criticism. Some fans accused MrBeast and the NFL of manipulating fan excitement for clicks. Others argued that the prank undermined the seriousness of professional sports ownership.

Still, the livestream promo saw a surge in sign-ups, and early metrics suggest the campaign succeeded in drawing new viewers to YouTube’s sports programming.

This isn’t the first time MrBeast has blurred the line between reality and spectacle. Known for over-the-top giveaways, survival challenges, and viral philanthropy, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of YouTube content creation.

In this case, his collaboration with the NFL showcased both his influence in pop culture and the league’s willingness to embrace unconventional marketing strategies.

The stunt raises intriguing questions about the future of sports media:

Will more leagues leverage creators like MrBeast to bridge the gap with younger fans?

Could stunts like this redefine how sports are marketed in the streaming era?

And most importantly for the NFL, will the free livestream experiment convert casual viewers into long-term fans?

Regardless of the answers, the partnership illustrates the evolving landscape where entertainment, sports, and digital media increasingly collide.

MrBeast didn’t really buy the NFL, but he did manage to momentarily convince millions that he had. The viral stunt, while polarizing, succeeded in its ultimate goal: putting the NFL’s YouTube livestream squarely in the cultural spotlight.

Love it or hate it, one thing is clear—when MrBeast says he’s done something outrageous, the world pays attention.