The US Open may lose a generation of fans by scheduling its men’s final at 2 PM, overlapping with NFL games. Unlike baseball, which transitions gracefully into autumn as its season wraps up in October, tennis fans face a more abrupt end with the last match of the season.

Key Points:
– **Unique Atmosphere**: The US Open men’s final at Arthur Ashe Stadium transitions from day to night, a hallmark of its drama and excitement. This year, the match starts earlier and will miss the iconic day-night vibe.
– **Network Changes**: For the first time, ABC will broadcast the men’s final—previously only CBS and ESPN aired the event—making the final available to a larger audience (97% of US households).
– **Competition with Football**: With the start time at 2 PM, the men’s final will conflict with both 1 PM and 4:30 PM NFL games. Previously, the 4 PM start time allowed fans to switch from the 1 PM games seamlessly.
– **Casual Fans**: The difficulty in switching channels for the casual sports fan, akin to undecided voters, could hinder viewership.
– **Shifts in Sports Viewing**: Younger fans accustomed to comprehensive sports coverage may prefer more regularity and consistency, which football still provides. The prevalence of on-demand content has fragmented media landscapes, making traditional appointment viewing rarer.

Ultimately, reliance on a prominent and dominating NFL schedule could keep many football fans from tuning into the US Open final, risking a loss of interest from a new generation.