TNT averaged more viewers during the 2008-09 NBA season than in the last two seasons of the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty.
TNT averaged a 1.13 U.S. rating (1.3 cable) and 1.71 million viewers for 53 NBA games during the 2008-09 season, up 4% in ratings and 14% in viewership from a 1.09 (1.3 cable) and 1.50 million last season. The 1.71 million viewers is the most TNT has averaged in a season since 1995-96.
The 14% increase in viewership this season is on top of a 15% increase last season. Overall, since the ’06-’07 season, TNT has seen a 30% increase in viewership for NBA games.
TNT saw increases in key demos, including a 13% jump among adults 18-34 and a 17% rise among adults 18-49.
Some highlights for TNT during the ’08-’09 season: the two most viewed regular season games on cable since ’04 (4.3 mil for Lakers/Celtics on 2/5 and 3.7 mil for Cavaliers/Lakers on 1/19), the highest rated, most viewed All-Star Saturday Night in history (3.9, 6.6 mil), and the highest rated, most viewed NBA All-Star Game in four years (4.5, 7.6 mil).
