• Loading stock data...
Sunday, November 16, 2025
    More
    Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here
    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

    Steph Curry on Warming Up in Nikes: ‘I’m a Free Agent’
    Curry hints at a new deal after warming up in Nikes before tipoff.
    by

    Disney and Google Strike Deal to End ESPN YouTube TV Blackout
    ESPN returns to the service in time for college football on Saturday.
    Steph Curry
    by and

    What’s Next for Under Armour and Steph Curry After Their Split?
    Multiple college and pro athletes are with Curry Brand.
    Sophie Cunningham
    by

    Sophie Cunningham Isn’t Sure the WNBA Will Exist Next Year
    The WNBA guard spoke with FOS about the CBA, Project B, and more.

    Featured Today

    Sailgating
    by

    ‘Sailgating’: Inside Washington Football’s Tradition on the Water
    The pregame experience can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
    exclusive
    November 13, 2025

    Track CEO Charged With Child Rape Passed USATF-Ordered Background Check
    The track world didn’t know about the charges for nearly a year.
    TUCSON, ARIZ. -- Resurfacing and painting of the new floor at McKale Center.
    November 9, 2025

    The Business of College Basketball’s Signature Courts
    Signature floors are a creative—and increasingly expensive—corner of college sports.
    Aug 6, 2025; Sandy, UT, USA; Queretaro defender Edson Partida (22) watches the ball during the second half of the game against Real Salt Lake at America First Field
    November 8, 2025

    Mexican Soccer Is the Next Frontier for American Investors
    Liga MX is an appealing proposition with big potential upside.

    More in Media
    Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Louisiana State Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) under pressure from Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) and defensive lineman Keon Keeley (31) during the second quarter of the game at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
    by

    College Football Viewership Increases Taper Off
    A torrid viewership start to the season has slowed down in recent weeks.
    May 11, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum is crowned before the match at Bank of America Stadium.
    November 14, 2025

    11 Potential Successors to Paul Finebaum at ESPN
    These college football talkers could rise if Finebaum leaves ESPN for politics.
    The NBC Sports broadcast team works Michigan State's football game against Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
    November 14, 2025

    NBC Sports, Versant Bring Back Old Sports Media Brands
    NBC Sports Network and USA Sports are back in new forms.
    Sponsored

    How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship
    On Location is redefining the Olympic experience by creating lasting connections beyond the Games.
    The Iowa Hawkeyes swarm onto the field Nov. 8, 2025 ahead of a Big Ten Football game against the Oregon Ducks at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
    November 14, 2025

    Why the Big Ten’s Best Game This Weekend Isn’t on Network TV
    No. 21 Iowa at No. 17 USC will air on Big Ten Network.
    November 13, 2025

    MLS Folding Its Season Pass, Shifting All Games to Apple TV in..
    The shift marks a major recalibration of the groundbreaking rights deal.
    exclusive
    November 13, 2025

    Drew Brees Gets Green Light from Fox to Call Netflix’s Christmas Day..
    Despite banning its talent from working for competitors, Fox is making an exception.
    November 13, 2025

    Disney Warns ESPN–YouTube TV Blackout ‘Could Go for a Little While’
    The ESPN parent company is preparing for a potentially extended battle.