The stage is set for the 2024 World Series to be a truly electrifying event, as industry analysts predict a surge in viewership and advertising revenue compared to recent years. Several factors are converging to create sky-high expectations for baseball’s biggest stage.
Renewed Interest in Baseball
Recent seasons have seen a significant uptick in baseball viewership, reversing a multi-year decline. Experts attribute this to a combination of exciting playoff races, breakout star players like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, and the continued popularity of the game, especially among younger audiences.
Viewership for the 2023 World Series was up 11% compared to the previous year, reaching an average of 14.2 million viewers per game. Additionally, regular season MLB games saw a 7% increase in viewership, with the league attracting an average of 1.2 million viewers per broadcast.
This renewed interest in baseball has carried over into the 2024 season, with viewership for the first half of the year up another 5% compared to the same period in 2023. Industry analysts expect this upward trend to continue through the playoffs and World Series.
Parity Across the Leagues
Unlike in previous years, there was really no clear favorite heading into the 2024 season. Several teams from both the American and National Leagues were considered contenders, creating the potential for a highly competitive and unpredictable postseason. This parity is likely to generate more viewer interest as fans tune in to see which teams will make it to the Fall Classic.
Advertising Demand
The increase in viewership, combined with the anticipation surrounding the 2024 World Series, is expected to drive significant advertiser demand. While it’s still no Super Bowl, companies are eager to secure ad spots during the marquee event, leading to higher ad rates and revenue for the broadcast networks.
Industry analysts predict that 30-second ad spots during the 2024 World Series could fetch upwards of $1 million, a significant increase from the $800,000 to $900,000 range seen in recent years. This reflects the premium that advertisers are willing to pay to reach the large and engaged audience that tunes in for the Fall Classic.
In addition to traditional TV ads, the 2024 World Series is expected to offer a variety of other high-value advertising opportunities, including:
- Presenting sponsorships for key game moments and segments, such as the pre-game show, in-game highlights, and the post-game wrap-up
- Exclusive rights to be the “Official Partner” of the World Series in specific product categories, like automotive, financial services, or consumer electronics
- Prominent in-stadium branding, including outfield wall signage, scoreboard displays, and branded fan activations
- Integrated social media and digital content sponsorships, allowing brands to reach fans across multiple platforms
- Custom-produced branded content and short-form videos showcasing the World Series experience
These diverse advertising options give companies the ability to align their brands with the excitement and prestige of the Fall Classic in innovative ways.
The Matchup
Industry analysts believe that the World Series matchup between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers will be particularly enticing for viewers. These two iconic franchises have a rich history and large, passionate fanbases, making a showdown between them a highly anticipated and marketable event.
While it’s impossible to predict the exact outcome, the stage is set for the 2024 World Series to be a ratings and advertising bonanza. Baseball fans and industry professionals alike are eagerly awaiting the Fall Classic to see if the lofty expectations will be met.