Every year, as the March Madness tournament approaches, basketball fans everywhere start crafting their brackets, analyzing game highlights, and placing friendly wagers with friends and family. This isn’t just a sporting event—it’s a cultural moment, drawing millions of engaged viewers who are eager to consume content across multiple platforms.
For brands, this is the perfect opportunity to tap into the excitement with strategic, well-placed marketing campaigns. As one of the most digitalized sports productions, March Madness presents a golden opportunity to reach highly engaged audiences through OTT streaming, premium ad placements, and interactive marketing strategies.
One of the biggest shifts in sports viewership has been the rise of OTT (Over-the-Top) streaming services. More people than ever are cutting the cord and opting for streaming platforms to watch live sports. Since OTT platforms offer a diverse range of content, brands can strategically place ads in front of specific audiences, ensuring their message reaches the right viewers at the right time.
OTT viewers are more engaged than traditional TV audiences when watching games, making them a prime target for advertising. Unlike conventional TV, which serves the same ads to a broad audience, OTT allows marketers to:
✔️ Target specific audience segments based on interests and behaviors
✔️ Optimize ad placement across various streaming services
✔️ Reach viewers on multiple devices, from smart TVs to mobile apps
For brands looking to take engagement to the next level, interactive and dynamic ad units can make all the difference:
March Madness marketing isn’t just about live TV spots—it’s about a well-rounded strategy that reaches audiences across multiple touchpoints. 64% of sports fans listen to sports content via streaming services so audio advertising is another powerful tool. Promoted social media posts and tailored email and onsite engagement campaigns that match the energy of the basketball season will also help create a cohesive marketing plan and keep you top of mind.
March Madness is more than just a sporting event—it’s a marketing goldmine. By combining OTT and CTV advertising, audio, and other advertising channels, brands can maximize engagement and connect with sports fans in meaningful ways.
So, show up, show out, and slam-dunk your marketing efforts this March Madness season!