February 26, 2025

Audacy Sports: Where MLB Fans Out-Play ESPN

By Lee Davis, SVP of Sports Monetization, Audacy

With spring training in full swing, baseball season is just around the corner — and die-hard MLB fans are ready to cheer their teams to victory. For advertisers, this is the perfect time to step up to the plate and connect with the most passionate sports fans out there.

Why Audacy’s MLB Fans Are in a League of Their Own

The question for advertisers is—’who has the most passionate baseball fans?’. Well, when it comes to dedication, Audacy’s MLB fans beat out the competition. These aren’t your average fans. They’re 54% more devoted than the typical MLB fan, surpassing TV audiences on ESPN and TBS on the passion scale.

With two out of every three sports fans we reach being true MLB enthusiasts, the potential to reach a captivated, engaged audience is enormous. And why does that passion matter so much? It’s no secret that engaged audiences drive results for advertisers. It’s not just about who you reach, but who you can convert.

Connecting With Fans Where It Counts

At Audacy, we partner with brands of nearly every size to connect with passionate audiences — whether it’s through live game play-by-play, sports talk with our legendary radio hosts, or dynamic podcasts that capture the heart and soul of baseball. Audacy delivers a full-funnel experience that goes beyond traditional TV ads.

Brands can own the game, team, or league, with these winning activations for advertisers.

PLAY-BY-PLAY MAGIC

Baseball is a game of moments, and our local radio announcers bring every pitch, hit, and play to life. More than just voices, they’re trusted storytellers whose opinions and insights connect with fans. When they voice a branded spot, whether it’s for a local auto dealer or a favorite dining spot, the audience listens. And with the option for a :30 custom-branded feature within streaming inventory, brands can truly own moments like “Play of the Game”, “Steal of the Week”, “Heart of the Order”, and more.

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Sponsored by North Western Medicine second opinion program during Chicago Cubs live play-by-play}

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Sponsored by American College of Cardiologists during Washington Nationals live play-by-play}

THE TALK AROUND THE GAME

On our sports talk stations we bring fans closer to the action with bold predictions, hot takes, and the latest locker room updates. For example, from the moment Juan Soto signed the largest contract in pro sports history to the day he has his first at-bat as a Met, fans will be turning to WFAN for up-to-the-minute updates. Our hosts serve as insiders for our listeners – and their endorsements carry real weight.

EXCLUSIVE SEGMENTS AND FEATURES

Imagine owning an “Opening Day Takeover” that reaches fans across all of Audacy’s platforms or having your ads be heard during the most valuable moments of live game play-by-play. With exclusive features like MLB Insider Calls — where our insiders deliver unfiltered POVs — and dynamic segments during prime listening times, your brand can be at the center of the conversation.

PODCASTS FOR PASSIONATE FANS

Our MLB fans are always on the hunt for great baseball content, and podcasts play a big role. From shows like “Baseball Isn’t Boring” to “High Hopes” from SportsRadio 94WIP in Philadelphia, advertisers have a golden opportunity to be integrated within the dialogue, connect with passionate fans, and drive real action. A presenting sponsorship can put your brand right in the middle of the conversation.

The Bottom Line: Audio Advertising is a Game-Changer

For our sports advertisers, it’s all about results. Sports radio and podcast advertising on Audacy drives significant lifts throughout the funnel. Whether your goal is to increase awareness of your business or to drive online purchases, expect significant results during baseball season.

Our listeners are 4x more likely to hear your ad than see it on TV. While 80% of these fans tend to avoid TV ads, only 20% skip radio ads. This means your message gets heard loud and clear when it matters most.

One of the most powerful and most recent examples stems from the 2024 MLB postseason. For New Yorkers, with both the Mets and the Yankees in the Playoffs, fans flocked to their home base for both live game broadcasts and the talk taking place around the game — WFAN Sports Radio.

WFAN 2024 PLAYOFF LISTENERSHIP SOARS

Nervous and excited fans need all the chatter and insights during playoff season

WFAN listeners increased 45% YoY

Baseball fans head to sports talk during the most exciting post-season moves

Sept 30: Day before Wildcard

Oct 8-10: Both Yankees and Mets won Division series

Oct 16: Day after Yankees went up 2-0 against the Guardians

Fans want to hear all the talk around the game — they come more often and stay longer during playoffs

40% increase in time spent listening

With Audacy Sports, you’re not just placing an ad; you’re becoming part of a community that lives and breathes baseball. Whether your local team is chasing a championship or rebuilding for the future, our platform gives you the chance to engage with fans who are always ready for the next game.

So, as spring training heats up and the excitement of the new season builds, now is the perfect time to step up your advertising game. With Audacy Sports, you can harness the passion of the nation’s most dedicated baseball fans and turn that energy into tangible results for your brand.

Play ball!