MIAMI VALLEY, Ohio – The big game is just around the corner on Monday, and there’s already a lot of money flowing. We’re talking about advertising, player deals, and merchandise sales.
Dr. Andrew Wonders, a Sports Business Management Professor at Cedarville University, highlights that advertisers love live sports. “History shows that they put their marketing dollars into these events,” he says. “How this year goes will influence their future decisions on spending.”
The upcoming National Championship Game between Ohio State and Notre Dame is no different. Live sports advertising is a major industry, and this game will attract plenty of attention.
Merchandising is also a big player in this game. Ohio State fans typically spend around $17 million a year on merchandise, and most of that goes to local shops. Winning a championship often sparks a surge in team gear sales. Wonders notes, however, that the amount that reaches the athletic departments isn’t as significant as one might think.
Dr. Kevin Willardsen, an Economics Professor at Wright State University, adds to the conversation, pointing out how companies are spending big to support not just ads but players too. In 2024, spending on name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals hit an impressive $1.67 billion.
Willardsen believes the growth in this industry could lead to local college athletes landing some serious deals soon. “If they’re talented and can attract attention, it’s likely the players will benefit the most,” he says.
As we gear up for the kickoff at 7:30 PM on Monday, it’s a great time to grab some OSU merchandise and get into the spirit of the game!
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Advertising,Merchandise,Ohio State,National Championship,NIL deals,Local retailers,Sports industry,Consumer spending
