With the NFL postseason underway, the buzz about the “big game” is everywhere in the advertising world. But here’s a secret savvy marketers have kept in their arsenal for years: the action—and the opportunity—extends far beyond Super Bowl Sunday. For passionate sports fans, the NFL playoffs are an epic journey, and sports radio is the ultimate arena to connect with these diehard enthusiasts. If your brand isn’t on the airwaves this postseason, you’re leaving a key marketing strategy on the sidelines.

When it comes to sports marketing, it’s all about the fans—specifically, the diehard fans. These are the listeners who eat, sleep, and breathe football. They don’t just watch the games; they obsess over every stat, every play, and every move their favorite team makes.

For these fans, sports radio isn’t background noise—it’s their daily destination for expert analysis, bold predictions, and insider commentary. In fact, 97% of daily sports radio listeners identify as avid NFL fans, making this medium a direct line to the audience that advertisers most want to reach.

While the ultimate Super Bowl matchup may dominate the headlines, for diehard fans, there’s real excitement in the journey through the playoffs. Every game matters, and every storyline adds to the drama. Last year, sports talk radio listening spiked during the second week of January, well before the final matchup. Why? Because it’s still anyone’s game and the path to the Super Bowl is still up for grabs.

Each playoff weekend featured top-tier matchups. From underdog stories to bitter rivalries, these moments kept fans on the edge of their seats—and kept them tuning in to sports radio for all the strongest opinions and spirited debates.

For advertisers, this extended engagement is a huge advantage. The NFL playoffs provide multiple opportunities to connect with fans when their attention is at its peak.

What makes diehard sports fans such an attractive audience? They’re loyal, attentive, and hard to reach through other channels. Sports radio delivers a highly coveted demographic:

This is a high-value audience that’s hard to reach elsewhere—and they’re not just tuning in; they’re actively engaged and loyal. Fans support the brands that support their teams.

Sports radio fans don’t just listen—they act. When they see a brand supporting their favorite team or league, they feel a sense of loyalty. In fact, brand affinity among sports radio listeners is twice as strong compared to other media audiences. When fans see a sponsor backing their team or league, they feel a connection—and that translates to action. For brands, this loyalty is priceless during the high-stakes NFL postseason.

Let’s look at a few brands that are making the most of the NFL season by leveraging the power of Audio.

The NFL Playoffs aren’t just games—they’re a huge cultural moment. They’re the great escape, the shared excitement, and the thrill of victory (and sometimes defeat) that unite fans.

For advertisers, sports are an unparalleled opportunity to connect with one of the most loyal, engaged, and attentive audiences in media. Sports radio puts your brand at the center of the action, delivering the fans who matter most and building trust that lasts long after the final whistle.