A 2025 Vision Insights and Audacy study reveals that sports audio—encompassing Sports/Talk radio, live NFL play-by-play, and sports podcasts—engages the most passionate NFL fans, surpassing TV and social media. Over 80% of sports audio listeners identify as "avid" fans, deeply invested in games, stats, and team updates.
The study highlights significant opportunities for sports brands. Sports audio fans exhibit high excitement, trust, and goodwill toward team sponsors.
These listeners are also affluent—nearly 50% more likely to have household incomes exceeding $100,000—and wield strong influence over purchasing decisions.
Audacy emphasizes sports audio’s advertising advantages, including cost efficiency, lower ad avoidance, and proximity to purchase points, as listeners are often out-of-home. With over 30 sports radio stations, nationwide NFL play-by-play coverage, and top NFL programs and podcasts, Audacy claims the largest sports radio audience, outpacing its top three competitors combined. Fans spend as much time with sports audio weekly as they do watching live games, building strong connections with hosts and fellow listeners.
Audacy notes, “Sports audio taps into fans’ passion, making your brand part of the game, not an interruption.”