• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, June 25, 2025

The Most Watched NBA Finals in U.S. Television History

  • Jordan’s Chicago Bulls of the 90s dominate the list.
  • The Cavs-Warriors matchup in 2017 is the only Finals on the list since the Bulls era ended.
Jun 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) greets Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) after game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

While the NBA has thrived in securing media rights deals in the billions, the 2024 Finals averaged just 11.31 million viewers, down 3% from last year.

The NBA Finals represent the pinnacle of the season, often attracting the highest viewership. Yet, the league has recently seen its ratings dwindle compared to the 1990s.

The Bulls teams of the 90s became synonymous with winning championships, as they won six titles in eight years. But they also dominate in terms of the ratings.

All six NBA titles for Chicago are among the most watched NBA Finals of all time. Three of their finals matchups earned over 25 million average American viewers, the only NBA team to ever achieve this feat.

The 1998 NBA Finals between the Bulls and the Jazz is the most watched NBA Finals of all time, earning an average of 29 million viewers.

Fans worldwide were anxious to see how the last Finals of Michael Jordan’s legendary career would end. But Utah was a strong opponent with only one game in the series decided by more than five points. 

The dramatic, emotional game six remains the most watched NBA game in history, totalling 35.9 million viewers.

Second on the list with 27.2 million average viewers is the 1993 NBA Finals. Chicago matched up with the Suns in a battle against two friends off the court, Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan.

Even though Phoenix managed to win two road games in the series, they couldn’t overcome the Bulls at home in game six. Chicago won and completed their first of two three-peats.

The first NBA Finals matchup between Utah and Chicago in 1997 is third with 25.6 million average viewers. Finals MVP Michael Jordan led the defending champions in multiple categories over six games. 

The Bulls won the series to extend their record in the Finals to 5-0. 

The 2017 matchup between the Cavaliers and Warriors is the only NBA Finals among the most-watched to happen after the Bulls era ended in 1998. The series drew an average of 20.4 million viewers who watched Golden State capture the title.

Ranking The Most Watched NBA Finals Ever

Here is the list of the top 10 most-watched NBA Finals based on average U.S. viewership. The list was compiled using historical data from SportsMediaWatch.

  • Updated: July 28, 2024
RankingYearMatchupResultsAverage U.S. Viewership
11998Chicago Bulls vs Utah JazzBulls in 629 million
21993Chicago Bulls vs Phoenix SunsBulls in 627.2 million
31997Chicago Bulls vs Utah JazzBulls in 625.6 million
41996Chicago Bulls vs Seattle SupersonicsBulls in 624.9 million
51987Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles LakersLakers in 624.1 million
61991Los Angeles Lakers vs Chicago BullsBulls in 523.9 million
71988Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit PistonsLakers in 721.7 million
81989Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit PistonsPistons in 421.3 million
91992Chicago Bulls vs Portland TrailblazersBulls in 620.8 million
102017Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State WarriorsWarriors in 620.4 million

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How the Celtics Cut $500M Roster Bill Nearly By Half in 1..

Boston is now under the second tax apron for next season.
exclusive

Fever and Bonner Heading for a Breakup? Here’s What We Know

The Fever are exploring options as DeWanna Bonner seeks a fresh start.

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts after a three-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center.

Wizards Acquire CJ McCollum to Set Up $100M in 2026 Cap Space

About $110 million will come off the Wizards’ books next year.

Featured Today

Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
June 21, 2025

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.
June 15, 2025

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.

Fever vs. Aces Draws 5th-Largest TV Audience of 2025 WNBA Season

ESPN will carry seven more Indiana Fever games this year.
June 19, 2025

Pacers Force Game 7, Could Spark Big Ratings Boost for NBA Finals

Game 7 could boost NBA Finals ratings after a slow start this year.
June 23, 2025

NBA Finals Game 7 Is Most-Watched Since 2019, but Series Drops 9%

Game 7 drew 16.35 million viewers, the most-watched NBA game since 2019.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 17, 2025

Stanley Cup Final Delivers Drama but Struggles for Eyeballs in U.S.

U.S. viewership fell while Canadian audiences for the event rose slightly.
June 17, 2025

Streaming Tops Linear for First Time, Sports Still Key to TV’s Resilience

Streaming hits another critical milestone in an accelerating media transition.
June 17, 2025

Zaslav Takes Pay Cut, TNT Sports Future Unclear in WBD Shake-Up

The TNT Sports parent company retools its executive pay after shareholder pushback.
Tyrese Haliburton
June 16, 2025

NBA Finals Ratings Up Again in Game 4 but Still Down Overall

More than nine million people watched Games 3 and 4.