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4d ago

NBA Playoffs Open with Highest Ratings in 25 Years

The 2025 opening weekend averaged 4.4 million viewers, a 17% year-over-year increase, with record performances for ESPN, TNT, and ABC broadcasts.

Apr 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Fans cheer in the third quarter of a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images/File Photo
Apr 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) jumps for the opening tip against the Miami Heat in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images/File Photo
Apr 20, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (14) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The NBA's 2025 playoff opening weekend drew an average of 4.4 million viewers, marking the highest ratings since 2000 and a 17% increase from last year.
  • ESPN achieved its best opening weekend ratings since acquiring NBA broadcast rights in 2002, averaging 4.49 million viewers across six games.
  • TNT Sports recorded an eight-year high with an average of 4.13 million viewers for its two games during the weekend.
  • Sunday’s Magic-Celtics Game 1 on ABC peaked at 8.02 million viewers, making it the second-most watched opening weekend playoff game since 2002.
  • The NBA attributed the season's early ratings struggles to competition from the World Series in major markets and the presidential election, with viewership rebounding strongly by the playoffs.