• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Networks Set NFL Ratings Records As New Measurements Begin

The impact of Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel audience measurement system is now fully coming forth, as CBS Sports reported record-setting viewership for the NFL’s Week 1.

Wm. Glasheen-Imagn Images

The impact of Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel audience measurement system is now fully coming forth, as CBS Sports reported record-setting viewership for its Week 1 coverage of the NFL.

The network said late Tuesday that it averaged 20.38 million viewers for its overall coverage of the NFL’s opening Sunday, and 23.89 million viewers in particular for its national-level broadcast of Lions-Packers in the late-afternoon window. Both are the highest Week 1 measures since CBS regained NFL rights in 1998, and the overall figure is a 15% lift from last year. 

The CBS figures are also more straightforward measures to understand the impact of Nielsen’s new measurement. NBC’s kickoff game last week was on a record-setting pace before being hampered by a 65-minute delay. YouTube’s livestream from the NFL’s game in Brazil, meanwhile, had a non-accredited measurement that drew rebukes from other networks.

Big Data + Panel is designed to provide a fuller, more accurate view of viewer behaviors, bringing in tens of millions of additional data points from set-top boxes and smart TVs.

Streaming also continued to have a growing presence for CBS, as NFL games on Paramount generated its most-watched Week 1 ever, with Lions-Packers ranking as the top opening-week game in network history, and Steelers-Jets coming in at No. 2.

Big Fox, NBC Numbers

Fox Sports, meanwhile, had a similarly robust total from its singleheader, early-afternoon Sunday coverage of Week 1. 

The network said it averaged 17.9 million viewers for that window, led in part by a Giants-Commanders game, representing the best Week 1 NFL singleheader figure on any network since 2015.

NBC then said that its Sunday Night Football coverage of the Ravens-Bills thriller averaged 24.7 million viewers, its best Sunday opener in three years.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cheryl Reeve

Cheryl Reeve Hit With Largest Individual Fine in WNBA History

Reeve said the WNBA needs a “change of leadership” in officiating.
Fudd

Women’s Final Four Moving to Football Stadium in 2028

The women’s title game will be at the home of the Colts.
opinion

Troy Aikman Keeps Showing Why He’s NFL’s Best Analyst

Aikman’s blunt honesty stands out against many of his peers.

Tyreek Hill’s Injury Complicates Financial Future With Dolphins

Releasing the receiver after this season would cost $28 million.

Featured Today

Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Cameron Young of Team USA hits his tee shot on the third hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round at Bethpage State Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 23, 2025

U.S. Ryder Cup Players Will Be Paid. Not Everyone Is Pleased

Americans are receiving a $200,000 stipend, and not everyone is pleased.
Sep 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

USA Network to Air 50+ WNBA Games a Year After NBC Split

The deal will bring more than 50 games to USA Network beginning in 2026.
September 30, 2025

Live Personalized Betting Is Coming to Amazon’s NBA Streams

The streamer draws heavily from prior experience with the NFL and NASCAR.
September 30, 2025

Fever-Aces Elimination Game Without Caitlin Clark Lands on ESPN2

Indiana faces Las Vegas with a trip to the WNBA Finals on the line.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
exclusive
September 29, 2025

Fever Star Aliyah Boston Poised to Land NBC/Peacock Deal

The WNBA star is finalizing a deal to call women’s college basketball.
exclusive
September 29, 2025

Chris Haynes, Marcus Thompson Join Amazon Prime NBA Team

Haynes is an NBA insider, while Thompson is a reporter and columnist.
Emily Kaplan ESPN
exclusive
September 26, 2025

ESPN Reimagines Emily Kaplan’s NHL TV Role

Emily Kaplan will migrate from sideline reporter to NHL studio insider.
exclusive
September 26, 2025

NBC Leaning on Celebrity Star Power for Winter Olympics

NBC hopes Glen Powell can bring viewers to the Winter Olympics.