• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

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

The last four NBA Finals series to go seven games saw a 65% viewership lift for the decisive final game.

Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The 2025 NBA Finals have been one of the lowest-rated of all time, but that could drastically change because of a do-or-die Game 7.

On Thursday, Indiana defeated Oklahoma City, 108-91, to force a deciding final game Sunday. It will be just the fifth Finals series this century that has gone the full seven games.

The previous four series saw a 65% increase in viewers for Game 7 vs. the average of the first six contests. That includes the seven-game Finals series in 2005, which could not draw more than 11 million viewers through its first four games. 

The finalists were the Spurs and the Pistons, which, like the Thunder and Pacers, are in two of the league’s smallest markets. Games 5 and 6 in 2005 delivered at least 13 million viewers each, while Game 7 drew 19 million. (This year’s series has not passed 10 million viewers in each of the first five games.)

The last Game 7 in the NBA Finals was in 2016 between the LeBron James-led Cavaliers and Steph Curry-led Warriors, which drew 31 million viewers—the most-watched NBA game since Michael Jordan played for the Bulls.

Finally Near the Summit

Herb Simon is the NBA’s longest-tenured owner. But in 42 seasons at the helm in Indiana, he has never been this close to an NBA championship. The Pacers had only made the NBA Finals one other time before this season, when they lost 4–2 to the Lakers in 2000.

As with many legacy pro sports team owners, Simon’s investment has paid off. He purchased the Pacers in 1983 for $11 million. In 2023, he sold a 15% stake in Pacers to Steven Rales, who already owned 5% of the team, at a $3.47 billion valuation. The Pacers are now estimated to be worth $3.6 billion, according to Forbes. 

Under Simon, the Pacers have taken a different approach to roster building than most of the league. They refused to tank, and haven’t picked in the top five of the NBA Draft since 1989. Game 3 hero Bennedict Mathurin, selected No. 6 in 2022, was their first top-10 pick in that timeframe.

They also have been shrewd with their spending, avoiding the luxury tax for the last 20 years. However, win or lose, this run has changed their approach as the team is prepared to enter the tax next year. It likely helps that the team is making millions in revenue from ticket sales and merchandise from each additional home playoff game this year. 

Simon’s approach has kept the Pacers competitive for decades, including 10 conference finals appearances since 1990. That’s tied for third in the league, and all other teams with at least 10 have won multiple championships (Lakers, Spurs, Celtics, Heat).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.

MLB Union Chief on Alert As NBA Gambling Scandal Unfolds

The union leader addresses labor and gambling-related concerns.
Terry Rozier

Terry Rozier Will Be Paid Full NBA Salary While on Leave

The Heat are scheduled to pay Rozier $26.6 million for this season. 

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
YouTube/ Multiple streaming services appear on a Roku TV.

YouTube in Another Carriage Dispute, This Time With Disney

ESPN and ABC could be dropped from the No. 4 U.S. pay-TV distributor.
May 17, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) shakes hands with New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) after the top of the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium.
October 23, 2025

Mets, Yankees, and the Nielsen Debate That Won’t Go Away

Weeks after the end of the MLB regular season, viewership issues remain.
Oct 21, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) keeps the ball away from Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half at Paycom Center
October 23, 2025

NBA’s NBC Return Draws 5.9M Viewers, Best Opener Since 2010

Thunder vs. Rockets peaked at 7.1 million viewers.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Brian Windhorst
October 23, 2025

Brian Windhorst Details Emergency Landing on Omaha–L.A. Flight

The pilots and flight attendants had a communication issue.
October 22, 2025

YouTube Stars Help Bring Back Golf Channel’s ‘Big Break’

The show will return in 2026 after an 11-year hiatus.
Candace Parker
October 22, 2025

Candace Parker Wants NFL-Style Coverage From NBA Media

Amazon will stream its first NBA doubleheader Friday.
Netflix
October 21, 2025

Netflix Staying on the Sidelines As TNT Sports Parent Seeks Buyer

The streaming giant shows little interest in acquisition possibilities.