CNN stands to make millions from the Trump-Biden debate, but its rivals could make even more

• Thursday's presidential debate will feature commercials for the very first time
• Struggling with ratings, CNN is banking on the event to draw in viewers and millions in revenue
• Rival networks can air the live broadcast and run their own ads, setting them up to outperform CNN

Faced with lagging viewership, CNN is anticipating that Thursday's presidential debate will rake in huge sums. Yet other networks are allowed to air the live broadcast of the showdown, setting them up to outperform CNN at its own game.