Tuesday, September 29, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Ads Creep Back

TV cameras
Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Third quarter TV ad spending was down 8% year-over-year, compared to the 31% year-over-year decline in the second quarter when sports shut down due to the pandemic. The rebound was in part because the NBA, NHL and MLB returned to action.

With the Tokyo Olympics next summer and the 2020-21 NBA season looking to start as soon as next month, ad recovery may not be out of reach — especially since sports programs account for more than 20% of TV ad spending in the U.S. 

New Advertising Money

  • Streaming services have tripled their ad spending this year. 
  • DoorDash has bumped up its spending 14%.
  • Microsoft Office has spent $174 million on TV ads, up from none last year.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Brazil Game Nabs Record Audience

CBS said that the game averaged 24.9 million viewers.
Jun 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Spectrum SportsNet LA play-by-play announcer Joe Davis watches batting practice before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Joe Davis Still Has Vin Scully’s Advice ‘Ringing in My Ears’

Davis is preparing to call his fifth World Series for Fox.
AZ state flag

Arizona Lawmakers Join ASU Hockey Players in Call for Outside Review

An independent inquiry has not yet been commissioned by Arizona State.
Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) drives to the basket during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center.

Trail Blazers Affirm Commitment to Stay in Portland

Team president said they’re aiming to finalize a lease extension and renovation deal.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/29/26 – Giants Land McCarthy, MLB Wild Card Begins, LeBron’s Knicks Dream

0:00

Featured Today

Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
patrick_mahomes

Less Than Super TV Viewership

CBS Sports’ telecast of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs averaged 91.629 million viewers, down 8%.
person_playing_cricket
December 23, 2020

Prominent Tech Execs Line Up to Back Cricket Growth In the U.S.

More than 20 investors have now bought into American Cricket Enterprise, parent company oMajor League Cricket.
man_riding_stationary_bike
December 28, 2020

Connected Fitness Company Echelon Lands $65 Million Investment

The funding came from Goldman Sachs and North Castle Partners, who now own controlling interests in the company.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
woman_holding_hockey_stick
December 23, 2020

NBC to Air NWHL Finals, Adds to Banner Year for Women’s Sports

It will be the first time professional women’s hockey games are shown live on a major national cable network in the U.S.
antetokounmpo_dribbling_basketball
December 23, 2020

‘Giannis Effect’ Felt by Bucks Following Record-Breaking Extension

Since he was drafted in 2013, the Bucks’ valuation has jumped from No. 30 in the league at $312 million to No. 19 at $1.58 billion.
December 22, 2020

Adam Silver Says NBA Expansion is ‘Manifest Destiny of the League’

“It’s sort of the manifest destiny of the league that you expand at some point,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Monday.
December 22, 2020

Adidas Partners With Jerry Lorenzo, Fear of God Brand

Lorenzo will lead creative and business strategy for Adidas basketball globally, and launch a Fear of God athletics sub-brand.