Hey Friends,

Welcome to another edition of the Super Bowl of newsletters, The Sports Biz Network. All eyes on the commercials and Taylor Swift this weekend, so let’s get into some of the biz around the biggest sporting event in the world.

A quick appetizer: Plan on seeing AI commercials. This one from Microsoft kind of got us hype though….

Slick Facts: 

1/ Chiefs mascot K.C. Wolf ($65k salary) out-earns 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam ($60k).

2/ The NFL hired Tiësto as its first-ever in-game DJ. While it’s unclear how much he’s making for the Big Game, he reportedly makes $200k-$500k per set. 

3/ 67 Million people will place bets on the big game

The Business Behind the Super Bowl Halftime Show

Key Points:

• 1. Marketing Powerhouse: The Super Bowl halftime show, despite being free for performers, serves as the most significant commercial on TV, with 12 minutes of prime airtime during a night when a 30-second ad costs $7 million.

• 2. Rihanna's Impact: Rihanna's halftime performance not only entertained but boosted Fenty's visibility, earning the brand $5.6 million in media value within 12 hours. The exposure translated to a surge in Google searches for Fenty.

• 3. Historical Evolution: From humble beginnings with figure skaters and marching bands, the halftime show transformed after Michael Jackson's iconic 1993 performance. Prominent artists like Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, and U2 elevated the show's status, making it a coveted platform for musicians.

• 4. Current Landscape: In an era of fragmented TV viewership, the Super Bowl stands out, with 93 of the top 100 highest-rated broadcasts in 2023 being NFL games. The Super Bowl itself averaged an audience of 113 million, making it an exceptional opportunity for exposure.

• 5. Sales Boost: Halftime performances have proven to boost album sales and streaming numbers. Michael Jackson's 1993 show propelled his album "Dangerous," while recent acts like Bruno Mars, Dr. Dre, and Eminem experienced similar success.

• 6. Coveted Slot: The halftime show slot is highly sought after, with the NFL having the final say. Acts with extensive music catalogs and multi-generational fan bases are favored, though occasionally, emerging artists like Bruno Mars get the nod.

• 7. Challenges: The commercial nature of the Super Bowl halftime show has faced criticism. Some artists, like Adele and initially Rihanna, expressed concerns about being seen as "sellouts" in the face of corporate interests.

• 8. Legendary Performances: Prince's 2007 performance exemplifies the show's artistic merit. His meticulous planning and memorable show, despite adverse weather, showcased that the halftime show is not just a commercial but an earned platform for top-tier artists.

The Super Bowl halftime show is a unique marketing opportunity that combines artistic expression with unparalleled visibility, making it a crucial moment for both performers and brands.

If you have a few minutes, here’s a quick breakdown of why artists don’t get paid for their halftime performance.

Around the Web: 3 things

1/ When Open AI CEO says something like this, every soloprenuer gets goosebumps.

2/ The future of watching sports

3/ The sports bundle? CNBC reports the price point could be in the $45-$50/ month range.