Saturday, August 1, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

NBA’s Digital Growth

LeBron James dunks in NBA Game.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The 2019-20 NBA season set new digital media records for the league, with total video views up 17% season-over-season to 20 billion. The league’s restart within the bubble — which successfully staved off any COVID-19 cases — helped propel the league’s strong digital performance.

That came as TV viewership for the NBA Finals was down 51% compared to last season, a drop that correlates to the 9% overall decline that TV viewership saw year-over-year.

NBA Bubble Social by the Numbers:

6.9 billion video views on social channels since July 30 restart.

2.6 billion video views on Instagram.

1 billion video views during the Finals across platforms.

321 million YouTube views during the postseason, up 63% year-over-year.

61 million YouTube views during the Finals, up 21%.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 31, 2023; Flushing, NY, USA; John Isner of the United States is interviewed on court after his second round match against Michael Mmoh of the United States on day four of the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Former Tennis Pro on Influencers at Big Events: ‘Done a Lot for the Sport’

John Isner says there’s upside to content creators’ presence at Grand Slams.

Blazers Defend Arena Pitch in Testy City Council Meeting

The city and team have publicly sparred over the Moda Center.

LeBron Could Make Sixers’ Expiring Jersey Patch a Premium Asset

Philly’s deal with Crypto.com expires in 2027. 
Basketball - NBA - New York Knicks v Philadelphia 76ers - Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - October 4, 2025 New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns in action with Philadelphia 76ers' Adem Bona

NBA Drops Plan for Games in Middle East

The Knicks played preseason games against the Sixers in Abu Dhabi last year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/31/26 – UEFA’s FIFA Boycott, LeBron’s ‘Last Dance’ Doc, Tush Push Stays

0:00

Featured Today

WPBL

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar
July 17, 2026

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
patrick_mahomes

Less Than Super TV Viewership

CBS Sports’ telecast of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs averaged 91.629 million viewers, down 8%.
person_playing_cricket
December 23, 2020

Prominent Tech Execs Line Up to Back Cricket Growth In the U.S.

More than 20 investors have now bought into American Cricket Enterprise, parent company oMajor League Cricket.
man_riding_stationary_bike
December 28, 2020

Connected Fitness Company Echelon Lands $65 Million Investment

The funding came from Goldman Sachs and North Castle Partners, who now own controlling interests in the company.
Sponsored

The Football Marketing Offensive Playbook

How to activate during the moments that matter most to football fans.
woman_holding_hockey_stick
December 23, 2020

NBC to Air NWHL Finals, Adds to Banner Year for Women’s Sports

It will be the first time professional women’s hockey games are shown live on a major national cable network in the U.S.
antetokounmpo_dribbling_basketball
December 23, 2020

‘Giannis Effect’ Felt by Bucks Following Record-Breaking Extension

Since he was drafted in 2013, the Bucks’ valuation has jumped from No. 30 in the league at $312 million to No. 19 at $1.58 billion.
December 22, 2020

Adam Silver Says NBA Expansion is ‘Manifest Destiny of the League’

“It’s sort of the manifest destiny of the league that you expand at some point,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Monday.
December 22, 2020

Adidas Partners With Jerry Lorenzo, Fear of God Brand

Lorenzo will lead creative and business strategy for Adidas basketball globally, and launch a Fear of God athletics sub-brand.