Networks Cheer Ad Sales For Upcoming NFL Season

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

Experts point to ratings stability as a driving force

While the television networks may still be a long way off from covering their hefty annual National Football League rights fees, advertisers are flocking to NFL telecasts. When the regular season opens this Thursday with a prime-time face-off between the Indianapolis Colts and defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots on ABC, each of the four networks televising games this season will have sold between 85 and 90 percent of their NFL ad inventory.

“There are only a handful of units left in each Monday Night Football game [on ABC] that we’ve held back for movie studios and possible deficiencies,” said Ed Erhardt, president of ESPN/ABC Customer Marketing and Sports Sales.



AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in