While the World Series’ first pitch isn’t scheduled until Friday evening, the marketing industry is already in full swing for the much-anticipated match between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. This sports event, being Major League Baseball’s gem, is expected to reel in significant viewership.
According to Mark Evans, Executive Vice President of Ad Sales for Fox Sports, all fixed advertising slots for the championship’s inaugural games have already been sold out. This position is ahead of any expectation that the network has seen in the last ten years. For advertisers hoping to venture into the first two games of the series, they’d have to acquire inventories that may appear exclusively during unpredictable instances such as extra innings, pitching changes, or other unforeseen developments.
In the initial five games of the World Series, Fox has been selling a 30-second commercial for between $450,000 and $500,000. However, they anticipate the prices to go up if a sixth or seventh game becomes necessary.
Since 2001, Fox has been the sole network broadcasting every World Series, and this year, its position appears to be stronger than ever. Last year’s competition between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks had a relatively limited appeal due to the geographic location of both teams. However, a Yankees-Dodgers game is likely to draw in viewers from both coasts of the country.
This baseball season, starting with the All-Star Game, has already seen heightened demand for advertising according to Evans. However, the inclusion of the Yankees and Dodgers in the series has triggered an influx of inquiries. “We are hearing from more than the standard endemic advertisers. You’ll witness a good number of non-traditional sports advertisers picking up a slot or two considering the national reach of this broadcast,” he discloses.
Markets will be flooded with traditional MLB sponsors like Capital One, Geico, and Mastercard, but other advertisers are also expected to show up, such as movie studios — who are seen purchasing more ad volumes as they recover from recent Hollywood strikes. Audiences can also expect pharmaceutical, insurance, and tech companies to advertise during the Games.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, political campaigns have emerged as another non-traditional sponsor. The campaigns of both Harris and Trump are expected to maintain a significant presence throughout the World Series, as per an insider familiar with the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the World Series scheduled to start?
A: The World Series is scheduled to start on Friday evening.
Q: Which teams are participating in the World Series?
A: The New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers are the participating teams in the World Series.
Q: How much has Fox been seeking for a 30-second ad spot in the initial games of the World Series?
A: Fox has been seeking between $450,000 and $500,000 for a 30-second ad spot.
Q: Which companies are expected to advertise during the games?
A: Traditional MLB sponsors such as Capital One, Geico, and Mastercard will be advertising during the games, alongside movie studios, pharmaceutical marketers, insurance advertisers, technology companies, and political campaigns.
Credit: variety.com
