- Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals drew 6.4 million viewers on ESPN Friday night, down 7% from 6.9 million viewers for Pistons/Cavaliers Game 6 last year, which aired on TNT. For the series, ESPN averaged 6.0 million viewers, up 51% from last year’s Spurs/Jazz series and the best average ever for a Conference Final on the network.
- The Lakers/Spurs Western Conference Finals on TNT were the highest rated and most watched Conference Final series since 2004. The Lakers’ five game series victory averaged a 4.2 national rating (4.8 cable rating) with 6.3 million viewers, up 24% and 25%, respectively, from last year. For the playoffs, TNT averaged a 2.6 national rating (3.0 cable rating) with 3.8 million viewers.
- WNBA ratings may be miniscule, but they are heading in the right direction. Saturday’s Sparks/Mystics game drew a 0.7 overnight on ABC, up 17% from a 0.6 for Mercury/Sun last year. Through three games, ABC is averaging a 0.7 overnight for WNBA coverage, up 17% from last year.
ESPN acquires expanded Players Era tournament
What is quickly becoming one of the highest-profile early season college basketball events is now moving to ESPN.
