How AT&T Ads Are Winning March Madness (So Far)

NCAA corporate champion AT&T has long been a fixture during the NCAA Tournament. But this year, the wireless brand has been absolutely dominant, during both the men's and women's events.

Data from iSpot shows just how big AT&T has been through the Elite 8 of both tournaments:

• No. 1 brand by spend and household TV ad impressions during both tournaments.
• During the men's March Madness games, AT&T is spending 1.6x more than the nearest brand, while airing 59 more ads than the next brand (The Home Depot).
• Among NCAA basketball fans, the brand has the most effective NCAA sponsor ad – Ranger Ted, featuring Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns – which is scoring 18.1% higher than the norm within that consumer group.
• AT&T's 144 ad airings during the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament would top all but six brands (including AT&T) during the men's event as well.

Below is a breakdown of this year's top March Madness brands, by total airings across both tournaments.