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.
Two major league games scheduled for Monday night have been postponed as the Miami Marlins deal with a coronavirus outbreak that stranded them in Philadelphia.
The Seattle Kraken becomes the NHL's newest hockey team. Co-Owner, Jay Deutsch, talks deciding on the team name and what it means to become part of such a large organization in the NHL.
Following successes like 'The Last Dance' & 'Tom vs Time,' Religion of Sports has raised $10 million as the company looks to expand its presence in sports media. CEO, Ameeth Sankran, talks making a lasting imprint by telling important sports focused stories.
The NHL’s newest team finally has its name: the Seattle Kraken. The expansion franchise unveiled its nickname Thursday, ending 19 months of speculation.
Mayor Muriel Bowser weighs in on the Washington Redskins name change after the organization faced opposition from sponsors and advertisers.
The Washington Redskins will change their team nickname following mounting pressure from sponsors and advertisers. CEO of the Aspire Group, Anthony Tall, talks hurdles the team will face both from fans and the financial burden of re-branding changes.
NBA photographer Andy Bernstein talks season return and plans to document players' reaction to calls for social and racial change amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Oura CEO, Harpreet Singh, talks development of a wearable ring that detects symptoms of COVID-19 and partnership with the NBA as the league heads to Orlando to restart game play.
The New York City Marathon scheduled for Nov. 1 has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The noose found hanging in Bubba Wallace’s garage stall at Talladega Superspeedway had been there since at least last October.
