Tuesday, October 20, 2026

TV Ads Sink

March Madness Stop
Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

TV ad revenue took a dive in April, dropping 27% to $2.7 billion. Ad spending by travel services, retail, automotive, and restaurant industries all decreased significantly in the face of a “perfect storm” of increasing unemployment and stay-at-home orders.

A lack of live sports was another major factor in the decline. Standard Media Index estimates advertising commitments to sports dropped 72% from April 2019. Industry analysts believe the pandemic is likely to accelerate the ongoing shift of ads from TV to digital. 

Ad Dollars Lost In Sports

  • NBA: $240 million
  • NCAA Tournament: $200 million
  • NHL: $40 million
  • Golf: $30 million
  • MLB: $25 million

April Ad Revenue Numbers:

  • Broadcast TV dropped 33.4% to $907 million
  • Cable TV down 24.8% to $1.66 billion
  • Syndicated TV gained 12.1% to $140.2 million

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Nov 23, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Nikolas Khamenia (14) lays the ball up in front of Howard Bison guard Bryce Harris (34) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Post-NFL College Hoops Is New Thanksgiving Trend for CBS and Fox

Two big basketball games will air after football action on Thursday.
Nov 21, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Chiefs vs. Cowboys Could Draw Record 50M-Plus Viewers

One exec describes Thanksgiving showdown as a “perfect storm” for TV ratings.
Nov 22, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena.

Sinclair Makes Bid for Rival TV Station Owner Scripps

The local media giant details its desire for greater scale.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/20/26 – Knicks’ $4K Opener, Brewers’ $2,800 World Series, Colts Call Peyton?

0:00

Featured Today

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
CBS Sports NFL B Team covering the Cincinnati Bengals versus New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 25, 2022.

Evan Washburn Eyes March Madness for His ‘Instant Film Room’

The CBS sideline reporter has put a new spin on postgame interviews.
Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Hall of Fame quterback Troy Aikman stands with his Monday Night Football Broadcast announcer Joe Buck before a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
October 19, 2026

Buck, Aikman Avoid the Elephant in the ‘MNF’ Booth

Aikman and Buck focused purely on football in their ‘MNF’ intro.
Josh Pate Front Office Sports Tuned In
October 20, 2026

Josh Pate: Internet Hate Is ‘Not Real Life’

Pate learned the lesson on campus trips alongside Danny Kanell.
Sponsored

Why Brands Are Betting On Major League Soccer

Discover why brands are investing in MLS as the league builds on World Cup momentum to drive fan engagement and sponsorship growth.
October 19, 2026

NBC Sports Faces Pivotal Week

The network and its parent company are at a key inflection point.
Sponsored

Why Brands Are Betting On Major League Soccer

Discover why brands are investing in MLS as the league builds on World Cup momentum to drive fan engagement and sponsorship growth.
October 19, 2026

WNBA Finals Goes Hollywood With ‘Orange Carpet’ Show

E! is bringing red carpet coverage to Game 2 of the Finals.
Troy Aikman
Exclusive
October 16, 2026

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.