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2mo ago

Game 1 of NBA Finals Draws Lowest Non-COVID TV Ratings

Robust advertiser commitments are bolstering the NBA’s shift toward global streaming distribution.

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Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) and forward Aaron Nesmith (23) celebrate after Haliburton makes the game winning shot as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) looks on during the fourth quarter during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 05: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers scores a basket with .3 seconds remaining during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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Overview

  • Game 1 averaged a 4.7 Nielsen rating and 8.91 million viewers on ABC, marking the lowest non-COVID opener in the people meter era.
  • Indiana and Oklahoma City rank 25th and 47th among U.S. TV markets, and their Finals matchup has suppressed traditional linear viewership.
  • An 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal signed last July with Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon will expand nationally televised and streamed games next season.
  • Commissioner Adam Silver has emphasized the league’s global distribution and digital engagement metrics as primary indicators of success.
  • Advertisers have committed to 80 percent of Finals inventory, with 85 brands signed for Game 1–4 slots and bespoke in-game integrations planned.