The annual Super Bowl final is regarded by Americans as a national holiday. The 59th Super Bowl in 2024 was held in New Orleans, where the Philadelphia Eagles achieved an astonishing victory over the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 40 to 22, shattering their opponent's dream of a three-peat. The Super Bowl is not only the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL) but also a cultural event that attracts billions of viewers.
Since 2004, the Super Bowl has been scheduled for the first Sunday of February each year. Americans gather together to enjoy pizza, beer, and fried chicken while watching this spectacular game. As the most-watched program in the United States, the Super Bowl consistently attracts over 100 million viewers each year, with last year's viewership reaching a historic high of 123 million. This year's audience is expected to reach 130 million.
The commercial value of the Super Bowl is equally remarkable, with broadcasting agreements signed between the NFL and multiple networks totaling a staggering $113 billion, highlighting the immense appeal of this event. Meanwhile, advertising costs have skyrocketed, with this year's price for a 30-second ad reaching $8 million, attracting countless brands vying for airtime.
In this context, the tech industry is playing an increasingly important role in Super Bowl advertising. This year, generative AI took center stage in the ads, showcasing the rapid rise of the tech sector. Apple further solidified its market position by sponsoring the halftime show, with CEO Tim Cook promoting Major League Soccer alongside football star Messi, emphasizing the importance of streaming combined with sports.
The collaboration between Cook and Messi drew significant attention, as Messi's presence greatly increased interest in Major League Soccer, becoming a highlight of Apple's promotion of its streaming service. Apple secured exclusive streaming rights for Major League Soccer for $2.5 billion, and Cook's strategic vision made this deal highly valuable.
The Super Bowl is more than just a game; it is a fusion of business and culture, attracting countless brands each year and becoming an unmissable feast.
