• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 20, 2025

Sports Betting Boosts Network Ad Sales for NFL Broadcasts

  • Sports betting has benefited CBS Sports and the NFL.
  • CBS experienced a double-digit revenue increase for ads during its NFL broadcasts.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

CBS Sports experienced double-digit year over year ad revenue increase for its NFL broadcasts. The main reason? Sports betting.

Tony Taranto, senior VP sports sales for CBS Sports, said the gaming industry is “probably the most significant new category in a generation.”

The network saw ad sales reach $609 million during last year’s regular season, per Standard Media Index. Advertisers spent an average of roughly $377,420 for a 30-second spot during games. 

Ahead of the 2021 season, gambling companies are the largest new ad sales category for the NFL since 2015.

The surge in sports betting ads comes as no surprise following recent moves by the league. 

  • The league inked its first-ever official sportsbook partnerships in April with Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. The deals are worth close to $1 billion combined, and each spans five years. 
  • Last month, the NFL announced it approved FOX Bet, MGM, PointsBet, and WynnBet as sportsbook operators for the 2021 season. 
  • The league will allow six television sportsbook spots per game, with broadcasters CBS, NBC, FOX, and ESPN free to negotiate with sponsors. 

The NFL generated $2.8 billion in ad revenue during the 2020 regular season, a 3% increase year-over-year, despite the global pandemic. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl talks with his players against the Florida Gators in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Bruce Pearl: ‘The One Thing’ I Miss About Coaching

FOS interviewed ex-Auburn coach on his move to TNT Sports.
Jul 30, 2022; Irvine, CA, USA; A general view of the official NFL balls on the field during Los Angeles Rams training camp at University of California Irvine.

Saudi Arabia Wants to Bring American Football to the Middle East

The Middle Eastern nation wants to host major football events.
Verstappen

ESPN’s Final F1 Season Is Turning Into A Thriller 

F1 is averaging 1.4 million viewers on ESPN networks this year.

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Doubleheaders Will End—If NFL Equity Deal Clears

ESPN is broadcasting its fourth “MNF” doubleheader this season.

Featured Today

@chef__tezz/Instagram

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Jenny Just

Austin FC Co-Owner: Teach Your Daughters to Play Poker

She calls poker a “mind sport” like chess that teaches important life skills.
NYSE
October 7, 2025

NYSE Owner Pours $2B Into Polymarket at $8B Valuation

Prediction markets keep pushing further into the mainstream.
Inside NCAA Headquarters located in Indianapolis on Friday, March 10, 2023. Ncaa President Charlie Baker
October 8, 2025

NCAA Approves Plan to Let D-I College Athletes Bet on Pro Sports

The proposal still needs to be approved by D-II and D-III committees.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at Highmark Stadium.
exclusive
September 25, 2025

Kalshi, Polymarket Sought to Buy Prediction-Market Platform Novig

Novig is available in close to 40 states.
September 12, 2025

FanDuel, Jaguars Reach $5M Deal Over Employee Theft

A Jaguars employee stole $20 million and gambled much of it with FanDuel.
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) rushes the ball past Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) during the second half at Soldier Field.
exclusive
September 10, 2025

Americans See Little Difference Between Prediction Markets and Betting

A survey found 85% of respondents believe sports event contracts are gambling.
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Adoree' Jackson (8) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) during the third quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 5, 2025

Kalshi’s $27M NFL Opener Runs Into Tribal Challenge

California Tribes want Kalshi forced to implement geofencing.