The likelihood of playing a shortened 2020 MLB season without fans in attendance is prompting Major League clubs to explore the sale of tarp advertising on empty seats, according to industry sources.
The move would help make up a percentage of the millions of dollars in ticket and in-stadium revenue to be lost this season. MLB owners say they’ll lose an average of $640,000 per game in 2020 assuming players earn prorated salaries, USA Today reported. In 2019, 11% of the league’s entire revenue was generated by sponsorships.
The Cincinnati Reds are reportedly one MLB team currently working with data and measurement firm Nielsen to price out the inventory. The Reds declined to comment on the team’s sponsorship opportunities.
“We’ve obviously got some aggressive plans for a lot of races in a relatively short period of time. That puts the pressure on us to continue that engagement, and continue that conversation.” – NASCAR Chief Digital Officer Tim Clark on the return of races.