The NBA All Star Game has hit uncharted — and unwanted — territory.
While All Star Weekend was a major success in many regards, and while ratings were up significantly in younger demographics, the All Star Game itself drew its lowest rating ever. For the first time, national ratings for the NBA’s midseason showcase dipped below a 4.0.
TNT drew a 3.8 national rating for the game, down 10% from a 4.2 in 2007. This marks the sixth straight year ratings for the All Star Game have dropped, and the fifth straight year ratings have either tied or set a record low. Ratings for the NBA All Star Game have dropped 54% since leaving broadcast television (NBC) in 2002.
Despite the disappointing numbers, TNT is likely pleased with the results of the weekend. The All Star Game, the All Star Pregame, and All Star Saturday Night finished #1, #3 and #4 for the week on cable, respectively. The events finished as the top three most watched programs on cable among adults 18-49 and 25-54, and took three of the top four spots among adults 18-34.
NBA All Star Game ratings.
(since 2002; all ratings are national ratings)
3.8: New Orleans (2/17/08, 8:30 PM TNT)
4.2: Las Vegas (2/18/07, 8:30 PM TNT)
4.3: Houston (2/19/06, 8:30 PM TNT)
4.9: Denver (2/20/05, 8:30 PM TNT)
5.1: Los Angeles (2/15/04, 8:30 PM TNT)
6.6: Atlanta (2/9/03, 8:30 PM TNT)
8.2: Philadelphia (2/10/02, 5:30 PM NBC)
