Sports are becoming expensive for TV networks

The entire sports rights game is built around the growth of both audiences and revenue (advertising and subscriber).

Both pay-TV providers and networks have been able to raise rates faster than declines in subscribers/viewership have fallen but how long can they keep that up?

Previously on SOTS. It doesn’t matter if NFL ratings are dropping — advertisers can’t get enough

Quick Math (2016 vs. 2010):
1) Average viewership: ↓ 7%
2) Ad spend: ↑ 91%

No major changes until current sports rights deals expire:
1) MLB — 2021
2) NFL — 2021
3) NBA — 2024–25
4) College Football Playoff — 2025

Previously on SOTS. Going gray: Sports TV viewers skew older