A thus far uncompetitive NBA Finals has nonetheless done well in the Nielsens.
The Warriors-Cavaliers NBA Finals has averaged a 10.6 rating and 19.2 million viewers on ABC through two games, per Nielsen fast-nationals — up 2% in ratings and 5% in viewership from last year (10.4, 18.3M) and down a tick but up 4% respectively versus 2015 (10.7, 18.5M), which featured the same two teams.
The lopsided series ranks as the most-watched NBA Finals through two games since 1998 and the third-highest rated over the same span — trailing 2015 and Lakers-Sixers on NBC in 2001.
Sunday’s Game 2 earned a 10.7 final rating and 19.7 million viewers, up 9% in ratings and 13% in viewership from last year (9.8, 17.5M) and down a tick but up 3% respectively from 2015, which went to overtime (10.8, 19.2M). It was the most-watched Game 2 since 1998, topping the previous high set in 2015.
The Warriors’ win, which was close until late in the third but became a blowout, peaked with 23.1 million in the fast-nationals. Last year’s Game 2 peaked with 19.4 million viewers and the 2015 game peaked with 24.4 million.
Thursday’s Game 1 had a 10.5 final rating and 18.7 million viewers, down 5% in ratings and 3% in viewership from last year (11.1, 19.2M) and down a tick but up 5% respectively compared to 2015, which went to overtime (10.6, 17.8M). It was the second-most watched Game 1 since 1998. Figures for that game, which ordinarily would have been released on Friday, were delayed due to a Nielsen issue.
Game 1 had a 6.9 rating in adults 18-49, down 5% from last year (7.3) but even with 2015 (6.9). It tied the fourth-best Game 1 rating in the demo since 1998, behind last year, Pistons-Lakers in 2004 (7.0), Sixers-Lakers in 2001 (8.8) and Knicks-Spurs in 1999 (7.5). Game 2 had a 7.1 in the demo, up 9% from last year (6.5) but down 4% from 2015 (7.4). It tied the third-best Game 2 rating in the demo since ’98, trailing 2015 and 2001 (8.5).
In adults 18-34, Game 1 had a 6.2 rating — down 13% from last year (7.1) and down 9% from 2015 (6.8). Game 2 had a 6.5, up 5% from last year (6.2) but down 11% from 2015 (7.3).
Figures do not include streaming coverage on the WatchESPN app, which has averaged 410,000 through two games. With those viewers added to the mix, the series is averaging 19.6 million — still up 5% from last year (18.6M).
(Numbers from ESPN)
