After a year of delays, the Tokyo Olympics is finally here.
But the growth in streaming is expected to lower broadcast viewership numbers. About 27.5 million people tuned into the 2016 Rio Olympics each night during Primetime, and around 86 million households had a cable or satellite subscription that year. This time around, the Tokyo Olympics are at least 13 hours ahead of the U.S.' main broadcasting hours, and 11 percent fewer households still maintain their cable or satellite bundles. On top of this, NBC Sports is saving the live feed of several popular sports, including mens' and women's gymnastics and track and field, for its streaming service Peacock in order to drive viewers to the platform.
But despite the protests and concerns over safety during COVID-19, advertisers haven't stopped backing the Games. While sponsor Toyota announced it would pull its ads running in Japan during the Olympics, it is still moving forward with its plans in other countries. In fact, NBC Sports said it has at least 120 advertisers this year, 80 of which are brand new. It is expecting to bring in more than $1.2 billion in ad revenue, which was the last benchmark set by the 2016 Rio Olympics.
"I think it shows a sensitivity to their specific region and a respect, which the Japanese people are known for, so I think it was the right thing to do," said Influencer marketing agency Takumi CMO Kristy Engels about Toyota.
"When you look at the other advertisers out of the major ad sponsors, no one else has pulled out to date so they're all sticking with their existing programs so you'll still see the Toyota ads running here in the U.S.," she added.
Riot expands its collegiate efforts, Overwatch League hits the road, Fortnite Season 7 drops, and we open a whole lotta Rastakhan's Rumble packs. Featuring Esports Awards Broadcaster of the Year Clint 'Maven' Evans and Logitech G Esports Business Development Head Andreas Schicker.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Friday, Dec. 6, 2018.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018.
The College Football Playoff hasn't even kicked off, but Under Armour is already a winner. For the first time since the final four-structured championship began in 2014, a non-Nike brand is sponsoring one of the teams that made the playoffs.
DreamHack Winter 2018 recap and ESL Season 8 Finals preview, Ninja's new mouse partnership with Finalmouse, and Panda wins Tekken World Tour finals. We rate the Overwatch Expansions teams' logos and colors and get cozy at a Hearthstone Fireside event for the release of Rastakhan's Rumble. Featuring Andrew Coonrad of Logitech G on the Logitech G Pro Wireless mouse.
The reveal of Esports Mystery, Blizzard's new plan for Hearthstone esports, and a new mystery - Ninja's plans for Smash. Featuring top 40 Fortnite Winter Royale qualifier Lamar, FGC journalist Steve 'AceKingOffsuit' Jurek, and Logitech G's Vincent Borel.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Monday, Dec. 3, 2018.
Overwatch League expansion rosters start to settle with rumors of Runaway sighted in Vancouver; LeTigress clues us in on Valve's plans for Artifact esports. Featuring two-time COD world champion JKap and Pokemon national champion and commentator Aaron 'Cybertron' Zheng.
