The elimination of Team USA and hype over LeBron James‘ free agency decision may have pushed the World Cup towards the back burner, but the event continues to put in a strong performance for ESPN.
Through the semifinals, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is averaging a 1.9 U.S. rating and 2.984 million viewers on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, up 36% in ratings and 45% in viewership from 2006 (1.4, 2.057 mil).
ESPN drew a 2.4 U.S. rating and 3.746 million viewers for Tuesday’s Netherlands/Uruguay semifinal, and a 2.2 and 3.425 million for Spain/Germany on Wednesday.
This year’s World Cup is on pace to be “the most-watched FIFA World Cup in U.S. television history,” topping the 1994 event, which was held in the United States.
The 1994 World Cup averaged a 1.8 U.S. rating (1.664 million homes) through the quarterfinals, the equivalent of a 1.4 rating today. By comparison, this year’s World Cup averaged a 1.9 (2.184 million homes) through the quarterfinals — an increase of 32% in households.
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale continues to lead all markets for the ESPN broadcasts, with a 3.8 rating. New York (3.4), Washington, D.C. (3.4), San Diego (3.3) and San Francisco (3.2) round out the top five.
(ESPN)
