The 2025 Super Bowl served as a powerful reminder of the potential of sports advertising in the digital age. The high cost of ads during the game reflects the immense value that brands place on reaching a large and engaged audience. However, the opportunities for sports advertising extend far beyond this single event, with platforms like YouTube TV offering innovative ways for brands of all sizes to connect with their target audiences through the power of live sports.
This blog explores the $8 million price tag on ads during the Philadelphia vs. Kansas City game and how platforms like YouTube TV offer similar opportunities for local businesses through exclusive sports content and advanced targeting.
A Game of Unmatched Audience Reach
Held on February 9, 2025, the Big Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles set new records with 182.8 million unique viewers tuning in for at least one minute and an average of 127.7 million viewers during the game.
This massive audience reach explains why advertisers are willing to make significant investments in commercials. In 2025, the average cost for a 30-second ad spot hit $8 million, reflecting the event’s unparalleled exposure and influence.
Top Game Advertisers and Their ROI
While Super Bowl ads are a huge investment, the question is asked – do these ads make an impact? Let’s take a look at the newest report from YouGov showing the most impactful ads this year based on the Advertiser Impact Score (AIS). AIS helps measure success by tracking three key factors: Ad Awareness (how many people noticed the ad), Buzz (how much people talked about it), and Consideration (whether they’d actually buy from the brand). Consideration is weighted the most, making AIS a strong predictor of real-world impact.
Advertisers with the top AIS
Poppi ranked #1 with an AIS of 25.0, Poppi is proving that TikTok influencers can turn a Super Bowl ad into lasting brand buzz.
Booking.com (18.6) and Dunkin’ (17.3) followed, using celebrities and humor to boost brand recall.
T-Mobile (14.8) highlighted its Starlink partnership, while Google Pixel (14.1) showcased its AI-powered features in a way that stuck with viewers.
Legacy brands like Budweiser (12.5), Liquid Death (12.4), and Pringles (12.0) also saw strong results, proving that Super Bowl ads are still one of the smartest ways to grab attention and drive sales.
As the YouGov report shows, live sports advertising remains one of the most powerful tools for brands looking to make a lasting impact.
The Value of Sports Advertising Beyond the Super Bowl
While the Super Bowl offers unmatched exposure, live sports advertising delivers strong value throughout the year:
- Engaged, loyal audience: Live sports consistently draw large, dedicated audiences. In January 2025, TV viewership increased by 5%, driven largely by live sports on broadcast and cable.
- Year-round opportunities: With various leagues and events throughout the year, advertisers have multiple chances to engage their target audience.
Live sports remain one of the most effective ways to engage audiences, and the rise of streaming has only expanded these advertising opportunities.
The Rise of Digital Streaming
With the increasing shift from traditional cable to digital platforms, advertisers now have greater flexibility in how they reach sports audiences. In 2024, streaming saw the highest portion of viewers compared to cable and broadcast.
The rise of these cord cutters is allowing advertisers to reach a wider and more engaged audience at a lower cost than traditional TV. Digital streaming also offers advertisers more control over how their messages are delivered, ensuring campaigns are reaching the right audience at the right time.
YouTube TV Sports: Your Ticket to the Advertising Game
While not every business can afford Super Bowl airtime, platforms like YouTube TV offer premium opportunities to advertise during live sports throughout the year.
- Exclusive content access: YouTube TV provides a wide range of sports programming, including NFL games and other major events.
- Advanced targeting capabilities: Advertisers can reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviors.
- Flexible ad formats: Various ad options cater to different marketing objectives and budgets.
- Growing audience: As streaming continues to grow, YouTube TV’s audience is expected to expand, increasing reach for advertisers.
Unlocking the Potential of YouTube TV Advertising
YouTube TV combines the power of live sports advertising with digital precision, making it an ideal platform for businesses seeking cost-effective exposure. Features include:
- Geotargeting and audience segmentation, allowing businesses to focus on specific regions or demographics.
- Cross-device compatibility, ensuring ads reach viewers on smart TVs, mobile devices, and desktops.
- Interactive ad formats, including shoppable ads and clickable overlays that enhance engagement.
By leveraging YouTube TV’s capabilities, businesses can achieve Super Bowl-level exposure at a fraction of the cost.
Launch Your YouTube TV Ad Campaign in as Little as 7 Days
Our streamlined process allows you to launch a YouTube TV ad campaign quickly and efficiently, tapping into the power of sports advertising without the hefty Super Bowl price tag.
As a Google Premier Partner, our digital marketing agency specializes in crafting effective YouTube TV ad campaigns with:
Expertise: Our team leverages the latest digital advertising strategies to maximize impact.
Efficiency: We can develop and launch your campaign in as little as seven days
Value: Gain access to premium advertisement slots at discounted rates.
Contact us today to elevate your brand through targeted sports advertising on YouTube TV and connect with your ideal audience effectively.