Historic Advertising Trends at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Sports07/26/2024Mr. SmithMr. Smith
Paris JJOO 2024
Eiffel Tower, 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have officially commenced, and these Games are set to be historic for several reasons. A key highlight is the unprecedented level of Olympic ad spending, with Comcast's NBCUniversal (CMCSA) recording remarkable revenue figures. In April, the network announced it was on track to set a new record, having already secured $1.2 billion in advertising commitments. Notably, $350 million of this total came from advertisers participating in the Olympics for the first time.

Modern Advertising Strategies

For the first time, NBC's streaming service Peacock will live-stream all 329 medal events, providing over 5,000 hours of content. Mark Douglas, CEO of MNTN, one of the largest TV advertising buyers in the US, highlighted the innovative approach NBC is taking. “NBC is excelling in the advertising process by adopting modern strategies,” said Douglas. These strategies include traditional Upfront ad deals through linear television and programmatic ad buys via Peacock, enabling smaller brands to create niche advertising campaigns.

This shift signifies that streaming and other digital platforms will play a crucial role in this year's Olympics. David Dellea, a partner at global consulting firm Altman Solon, stated, "Paris will be the first true multiplatform Olympics, facilitating coordinated campaigns across linear, social, digital, gaming, radio, and podcasts." He added that platforms like TikTok and Roblox are generating significant buzz for their ability to engage younger audiences.

Record-Breaking Digital Advertising Revenue

In April, NBCUniversal president Dan Lovinger revealed that digital advertising revenue for this year is already surpassing all previous records. This digital-forward strategy is reflected in the substantial resources dedicated to promoting the Games and enhancing the fan experience through various digital channels.

Olympic ad buyers are reportedly paying "very healthy" CPM rates, or the cost per thousand ad impressions, indicating high demand for advertising slots during the Games. Douglas noted that while the exact figures remain confidential, these rates are comparable to those for major sporting events. This willingness to invest heavily in Olympic advertising underscores the value advertisers place on being part of these historic Games.

Expanding Advertising Inventory

The increase in content provided by streaming platforms has resulted in a healthy inventory of advertising slots. Advertisers now have access to live events, post-game analysis, pregame shows, and more, all considered part of the Olympic content. “This extensive inventory creates numerous opportunities for advertisers to connect with consumers,” said Douglas.

Ultimately, Douglas emphasized, "You have to reach consumers where they are." This statement encapsulates the overarching strategy of leveraging multiple platforms to maximize audience engagement and advertising effectiveness.

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