- NBA ratings continue to rise sharply during the playoffs, with ABC, ESPN and TNT seeing increases of over 20%. Through four telecasts, ABC is averaging a 3.4 rating, up 26% from last year. Meanwhile, TNT and ESPN are both up 20%, averaging ratings of 2.1 and 2.0, respectively. ESPN2, which has televised one game, is up 60% to a 0.8. Ratings are up big in key demos; ESPN has won the 18-34 demographic each night it has televised playoff games.
- Thanks in part to the big increases for NBA Playoff games, ESPN had its most viewed April ever. In addition to the NBA Playoffs, ESPN aired the most watched golf telecast in cable history and the most watched MLB Opening Night in network history. For the month, ESPN saw a 21% jump in households, averaging 746,000 homes. ESPN2 and ESPNews also saw their best ever April.
- NASCAR’s Nationwide Series drew solid ratings on Saturday. The Aaron’s 312 drew a 2.6 rating, up 28% from last year, and the highest rating for a Nationwide Series race on the ESPN family of networks. The 2.6 rating figures to finish higher than the competing MLB telecast on FOX the same day.
