American Express generated a record $72 billion of revenue in 2025, while Card Members put $1.67 trillion through its network. Net card fees reached $10 billion, 12.5 million new proprietary cards were acquired and more than 70% of new accounts chose fee paying products. Millennials and Gen Z made up roughly 65% of new consumer accounts.
Sport is becoming a bigger part of how Amex attracts, rewards and keeps customers.
Its portfolio now covers more than 50 leagues, teams, venues and major events, including the NFL, NBA, WNBA, Formula 1, the US Open and Wimbledon. In 2026, Amex made its biggest move yet, replacing Visa as the NFL’s Official Payments Partner in a seven year deal reportedly worth around $910 million.
These partnerships do more than advertise the Amex brand. Presale tickets give Card Members better access. Lounges make premium cards more valuable. Stadium offers encourage spending. Formula 1 can drive flights, hotels, restaurants and hospitality, while Fanatics connects Amex with merchandise, tickets and collectibles.
Sports give customers a reason to spend, while helping Amex earn from several parts of the spending.
365247 breaks down American Express’s sports strategy and portfolio, how each major property fits into the wider Membership and payments business, and more….