The Sports Media Podcast IMG’s Hillary Mandel, NFL’s Week 1 audience bonanza and U.S. Open goes big
Sep 11, 2025
Hillary Mandel, Executive Vice President at IMG, joins to discuss vital media rights deals for the UFC, WWE, and the U.S. Open. They explore the explosive viewership trends for Week 1 of the NFL season and the growing influence of data analytics in sports broadcasting. Mandel also shares insights on potential growth avenues for leagues like the NWSL. Additionally, the conversation highlights the U.S. Open’s cultural significance and record attendance, alongside emerging trends in college football and basketball's appeal in America.
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Multi-Platform Deals Reach Fragmented Fans
- Maintaining distribution on multiple platforms like Peacock alongside ESPN helps reach diverse audiences in a fragmented market.
- Partners can complement each other's strengths rather than requiring exclusive placement.
U.S. Open Became A Cultural Moment
- The U.S. Open grew into a cultural moment by adding an extra festival week, mixed doubles, and celebrity interest.
- Those layers amplified TV, social, and attendance, boosting overall tournament reach.
Combined Tennis Commercials Could Boost Value
- Consolidating WTA and ATP commercial assets could unlock negotiating power and scheduling efficiency.
- A combined approach may create greater value for media partners and sponsors at natural contract junctures.