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Economic Uncertainty Shapes 2025 TV Upfront Negotiations

Advertisers push for flexibility and prioritize live sports and streaming as tariff concerns weigh on ad spending strategies.

A view shows a signage of Comcast and NBC Universal in the lobby of the corporate headquarters of Comcast, which announced plans to spin-off the bulk of its fading NBCUniversal cable TV networks, including MSNBC and CNBC, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. November 20, 2024. REUTERS/Bastiaan Slabbers/File Photo
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Overview

  • The 2025 TV upfront season begins under the shadow of potential recession risks tied to President Trump's tariff policies, causing advertisers to approach commitments cautiously.
  • Live sports remain the most in-demand ad category, with networks leveraging major events like the NFL, NBA, Olympics, and Super Bowl to attract buyers.
  • Streaming platforms continue to gain traction, with ad commitments surpassing traditional primetime broadcast and cable for the first time last year, a trend expected to persist.
  • Advertisers are seeking greater flexibility in their deals, including cancellation clauses and the ability to shift spending between linear and digital platforms.
  • Tech giants Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube are intensifying competition in the upfront market, presenting themselves as key players alongside traditional media companies.