NBC Reportedly Has Sold 70-80% Of Its 30-Second Ads Slots For Super Bowl XLIX

NBC has sold 70-80% of the approximately 60 30-second spots that will air during its broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX, leaving the net "between 15 and 18 30-second berths left," according to an ad buyer cited by Brian Steinberg of VARIETY. However, the ad buyer "suggested the network might face some headwinds in getting to the goal line." NBC is seeking a record $4.5M for a 30-second spot during the game, with a "similar amount contributed to other NBC Sports properties." Another buyer indicated that NBC "has been flexible," seeking between $4.2-4.6M for an ad. A source said that NBC "was holding firm" to the $4.5M figure, though it "was offering a slight discount for advertisers who buy multiple spots." Sources said that in this case, the price "is only" $4.4M per 30 seconds. Fox last year at this time "was able to sell about 85% of its inventory for Super Bowl XLVIII, an indication that NBC may be meeting with some resistance" (VARIETY.com, 9/18).