Site last updated: Thursday, October 1, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Anheuser-Busch, Visa voice NFL disapproval

Major sponsors including Anheuser-Busch are adding to the chorus of disapproval over the National Football League’s recent scandals, but the companies are stopping short of pulling advertising.

Anheuser-Busch said Tuesday that it has spoken with the NFL about concerns related to recent incidents that are sparking outcry from fans, including an investigation into how long the NFL knew about a video that shows Baltimore Raven Ray Rice beating his then-fiancee; as well as the Minnesota Vikings’ decision to let Adrian Peterson play while he faces an abuse charge for spanking his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.

McDonald’s, Visa and Campbell Soup Co. say they have also voiced similar concerns to the league.

The statements come after Radisson hotels said Monday that it was pulling its sponsorship of the Minnesota Vikings. No other brands have pulled sponsorships from teams or the NFL.

As the NFL and various team executives navigate scandal, much is at stake: The money companies pay each year to be official sponsors — not including advertising and promotions— is worth about $1.07 billion for the league and all of its teams, according to sponsorship consultancy IEG.

Experts say that brands will take their cues by how consumers react.

More in National News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS