Advertiser Perceptions vs COMvergence

Advertisers Need Smarter Ways to Reach Live Sports Streaming Audiences

New research from Premion and Advertiser Perceptions reveals that 73% of advertisers plan to allocate budget to live sports streaming and CTV over the next 6-12 months, with agencies even higher at 79%. Key draws include reaching engaged sports fans (61%) and major live events (52%). However, significant barriers remain: cost (44%), performance measurement challenges (41%), transparency (35%), buying complexity (34%), and access to premium inventory (34%). Despite these obstacles, only 23% find it challenging to reach sports audiences at scale, indicating the audience is available but access and measurement need improvement. The article suggests three strategies: measuring what matters in local markets, simplifying the buying process through curated inventory, and adopting a total TV approach that follows the fan across linear and streaming. These insights are crucial for local and regional advertisers looking to capitalize on live sports streaming opportunities.

• 73% of advertisers plan to allocate budget to live sports streaming and CTV over the next 6-12 months.
• 79% of agencies plan to allocate budget to live sports streaming and CTV.
• Cost is the biggest barrier to greater investment (44%).

COMvergence H1 2026 Global New Business Results: Publicis Media Takes Top Spot

Publicis Media led the global Total New Business ranking among the Big 5 media agency groups, generating $3.24 billion in total new business value. Omnicom Media followed in second place at $3.15 billion and WPP Media ranked third at $2.98 billion.

Agency-Client Relationship Under Review in Germany

German advertisers are fundamentally questioning their collaboration models with media agencies, considering which tasks to handle in-house. This shift puts pressure on agencies to reassess their value propositions and revenue streams. The trend towards in-housing is accelerating, as seen in recent developments like IKEA's mega-pitch, which signals a broader industry move towards more flexible, integrated agency-client relationships. Agencies must adapt by offering more strategic, data-driven services and demonstrating clear ROI to retain clients.

• Advertisers in Germany are increasingly questioning their collaboration with media agencies.
• The trend towards in-housing is growing, with advertisers taking over tasks previously handled by agencies.
• Agencies need to redefine their revenue models to stay relevant.

BetMGM Names Cape Creative Agency of Record

BetMGM has officially appointed independent creative agency Cape as its creative agency of record (AOR), formalizing a collaborative relationship that has spanned two years. Cape's expanded responsibilities will encompass brand and creative strategy, working closely alongside BetMGM's wider agency network to maintain a cohesive brand presence. The transition occurred without a formal pitch process, following successful joint projects like the brand's 'Mullet Over' campaign. BetMGM, which features actor Jon Hamm in its latest campaign, has an estimated annual net media spend of $160 million according to COMvergence data.

• Independent creative agency Cape has been named BetMGM's agency of record (AOR).
• The appointment formalizes a two-year working relationship and occurred without a formal pitch process.
• BetMGM's net media spend is estimated at $160 million according to data from COMvergence.