As the NBA Playoffs take center court, brands have an incredible opportunity to tap into some of the most engaged, passionate audiences in media today. With programmatic CTV for NBA Playoff ads, it’s easier (and smarter) than ever to capitalize on this live sports moment.
As a certified reseller of The Trade Desk, Ventura gives our clients access to premium inventory, advanced targeting, and the ability to operate with full transparency through their own seat.
Live Sports, Live Audiences
The 2025 NBA Playoffs are lighting up screens, but not just on cable. Increasingly, fans are choosing to stream games through platforms like YouTube TV, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV—part of a broader shift toward CTV that’s reshaping how and where sports fans engage.
In fact, viewership for previously under-the-radar franchises like the Trail Blazers and Bulls has surged thanks to better streaming access and more flexible digital distribution¹. This is the kind of shift advertisers can’t afford to miss.
CTV + Programmatic = The Winning Play
What makes this moment different? It’s not just that fans are watching—it’s how they’re watching. Live sports on CTV combine the communal excitement of traditional TV with the precision and agility of digital. Programmatic activation gives brands a serious competitive edge by offering:
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Reach When It Matters Most
Connect with fans at the exact moment they’re most engaged, with your brand front and center during live playoff action.
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Budget Flexibility
Scale campaigns to fit your needs, with the ability to activate around key games without the rigid costs of traditional TV buys.
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Data-Driven Optimization
Use real-time insights to adjust your strategy throughout the playoffs, ensuring you stay on target as matchups and storylines evolve.
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Confident Campaign Planning
Say goodbye to the unpredictability of old-school sports advertising. Programmatic CTV offers a more reliable, transparent way to plan, execute, and win.
Unlike traditional TV buys that are locked in and hard to optimize, programmatic lets you stay nimble—just like your audience.
From Tip-Off to Finals: Every Moment Matters
From jaw-dropping dunks to overtime thrillers, the playoffs aren’t just entertainment—they’re cultural currency. These shared moments drive conversation, community, and brand recall. And the brands who show up in those moments? They stick.
In fact, this year’s opening weekend was the most-watched NBA Playoffs tipoff ever on ESPN platforms, averaging 5.4 million viewers across the first five games². If you’re wondering whether people are still showing up for live sports—this is your answer.
Whether you’re looking to boost brand awareness, drive action, or align with premium, emotionally charged content, the NBA Playoffs offer a high-value environment—and programmatic gives you the tools to show up smarter.
Let’s Win Together
The NBA Playoffs aren’t just a moment—they’re a movement. At Ventura, we make sure you’re ready to meet it with the right strategy, the right technology, and the right support behind every play. Let’s build a game plan that puts your brand in the center of the action.
Ready to get in the game? Connect with Ventura today.
Sources:
¹ The Current: NBA’s Streaming Surge
² ESPN Pressroom: Most-Watched NBA Playoffs Opening Weekend Ever
