NASHVILLE, Tenn. — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced on Tuesday that the television ratings for the opening weekend of the playoffs have reached their highest level in 25 years. Speaking at the CAA World Congress of Sports, Silver expressed his satisfaction with the ratings from the first eight playoff games held over the weekend.
Silver highlighted that the average viewership for these eight games was 4.4 million, showing a remarkable 17% increase compared to the opening weekend of last year’s playoffs. He pointed out that this marked the highest rated weekend for the NBA in a quarter-century.
ESPN also reported that the opening weekend set a record on their platforms, with an average of nearly 6.7 million viewers tuning in for Sunday’s game between Boston and Orlando, peaking at over 8 million during the broadcast.
Silver emphasized the opportunities that digital platforms present for engaging fans. He mentioned the potential for innovative viewing experiences similar to the popular “ManningCast,” which allows viewers to enjoy broadcasts with alternative commentary.
It’s worth noting that the NBA faced challenges earlier in the season, which had a slow start in terms of ratings. Factors included competition from the World Series and the heightened focus on the presidential election. However, viewership numbers began to improve as the season progressed.
Overall, the positive ratings signal a bright future for the league, suggesting that the NBA remains a significant force in sports entertainment.
