Overview

• YouTube reported a 17.3 million global average-minute audience for Chiefs–Chargers, including 16.2 million in the U.S. from Nielsen data and 1.1 million internationally from YouTube metrics.
• Viewers tuned in from more than 230 countries and territories, with U.S. totals including over-the-air coverage in the local team markets.
• The audience outpaced last year’s Brazil opener on Peacock (about 14.2 million) and was comparable to top Prime Video games, yet trailed Netflix’s 2024 Christmas doubleheader (roughly 24 million).
• Nielsen’s approach for the YouTube game used a custom method outside its new Big Data + Panel system, drawing criticism from ESPN research staff and limiting direct cross-platform comparisons.
• YouTube blended a traditional NBC Sports-produced broadcast with creator-led segments and alternate feeds, featured a Karol G halftime show, and used the free global stream to spotlight its U.S. Sunday Ticket offering.