Usually, the holders of national brands pay very good money to have those brands organically integrated into movies. For the NFL, the money flows the other way. Into the league’s pockets. As it typically does.
Darren Rovell of ESPN reports that the NFL received both a rights fee and a share of the revenue for allowing the producers of Draft Day to use NFL trademarks and logos.
It’s unknown how much of either the league will receive, but the amount surely won’t be insignificant. If, however, the movie tanks the revenue piece will be affected accordingly.
Some reviews suggest that Draft Day paints an unrealistically positive picture of the NFL. Kevin Costner, who stars in the film as the Browns G.M., has said the NFL nixed only the idea of having Costner hung in effigy. (Or in Cleveland.)
Still, the trick to getting the NFL’s blessing was to deliver a script that portrayed the NFL the way the NFL wants to be portrayed. For the ultimate reality show, too much reality wouldn’t be good for business.
Even though something that was a bit more raw and gritty and authentic would likely do a lot better at the box office, and in the eyes of the critics.
