• Loading stock data...
Thursday, December 18, 2025
    More
    Media

    NBA Playoffs’ Opening Weekend Ratings Highest In More Than a Decade

    • Viewership was up 37% over last year’s first weekend of games.
    • Sunday’s Nets-Celtics game averaged 6.9 million viewers.
    By
    Apr 19, 2022 | 04:58 pm
    David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

    Ratings for the opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs soared with an average of 4.05 million viewers across ABC, ESPN, and TNT, marking the most-watched first playoff weekend since 2011.

    Leading the way was Sunday’s Nets-Celtics thriller on ABC, which averaged 6.9 million viewers (3.1 rating) and peaked at 9.8 million, making it the most-viewed first-round game since 2016.

    Opening-weekend viewership collectively rose 37% from last year (2.95 million) and 41% from 2019 (2.88 million), according to Sports Media Watch. 

    In 2020, the postseason was forced to begin on a Monday in August after the season was delayed due to the pandemic.

    TNT’s Sunday night game between the defending champion Bucks and Bulls drew the largest opening-round postseason audience on cable since 2018, averaging 4.77 million viewers and a 2.2 rating, per Sports Media Watch.

    Linkedin
    Whatsapp
    Copy Link
    Link Copied
    Link Copied

    What to Read
    by

    NBA Will Finally Decide on Expansion Next Year
    Three team sales earlier this year halted years of expansion talks.
    by

    Adam Silver Says He Could Join WNBA CBA Negotiations
    The commissioner says he’s “optimistic” the sides will reach a deal.
    May 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; NBA commissioner is Adam Silver presents Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (not pictured) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season before game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
    by

    Adam Silver Praises Amazon NBA Coverage, With Subtle Jab at Others 
    Silver praised Amazon’s coverage while taking veiled shots at league broadcast partners
    Knicks
    by

    Knicks Won’t Hang NBA Cup Banner After All
    The Lakers and Bucks both raised banners after winning the tournament.

    Featured Today
    by

    How Pickleball Became One Massive Private-Equity Rollup
    Pickleball roads lead back to billionaire Tom Dundon.
    Dec 9, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during the first half at the 2025-26 NBA Emirates Cup at Scotiabank Arena
    December 13, 2025

    The Lucrative NBA Cup Is Here to Stay
    The in-season tournament, launched in 2023, is turning into a staple.
    The Los Angeles Chargers host executives from UCLA Health on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
    December 7, 2025

    The Multibillion-Dollar Business of Pro Athlete Recovery
    What started as ice baths has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry.
    Big League Wiffle Ball
    November 29, 2025

    Celebrity-Backed Wiffle Ball Has Big-League Aspirations
    Big League Wiffle Ball team owners include Kevin Costner and David Adelman.

    More in Media
    by

    Three Barstool Podcasts Moving Exclusively to Netflix
    Video versions of three Barstool podcasts will be on Netflix in 2026.
    December 16, 2025

    Scripps Rejects Sinclair’s Bid, Keeps Sports Media Future Uncertain
    The Ion owner pushes back on the unsolicited takeover bid.
    Zaslav
    December 17, 2025

    TNT Sports Parent Rejects $108B Paramount Bid, Attacks Ellisons
    The board unanimously urged shareholders to stick with Netflix’s offer.
    Sponsored

    Brian Hoyer: Patriots Lessons, NIL Chaos & His Post-NFL Career
    The former Patriots QB talks to FOS about college football’s radical transformation.
    Nov 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) poses for a television camera after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium.
    December 16, 2025

    Nielsen Ratings, Including Sports, Under Fire: ‘Deep Instability’
    A television trade group said Nielsen’s audience counting shows “deep instability.”
    Mahomes
    opinion
    December 16, 2025

    Could Chiefs and Cowboys Missing Playoffs Slow NFL Ratings Train?
    The league’s two biggest draws are almost certain to miss the postseason.
    exclusive
    December 15, 2025

    ESPN Hires New Top Editor
    Roxanna Scott is a USA Today veteran and comes from The Athletic.
    December 15, 2025

    Once-Enticing NFL Christmas Day Lineup on Netflix, Amazon Falls Flat
    The holiday tripleheader looks far less attractive now than in May.