Overnight ratings for the NCAA Tournament Selection Show were the lowest in at least a quarter-century.
The Selection Show earned a 3.9 overnight rating on CBS Sunday evening, down 7% from last year (4.2), down 11% from 2013 (4.4), and the lowest overnight for the event since at least 1989. The previous 25-year low was a 4.0 in 2012. The three lowest overnights have taken place in the past four years.
Since earning a 5.7 overnight a decade ago, the Selection Show has earned less than a 5.0 each year. This year marks the first time since at least ’89 that the overnight has slipped below the 4.0 mark.
Despite the lower numbers, the Selection Show was the highest rated sports telecast of the weekend in the metered markets — edging the NASCAR Sprint Cup race on FOX (3.8).
By comparison, the College Football Playoff Selection Show had a 1.6 overnight on ESPN in December, with a 3.4 for the half-hour in which the teams were announced.
(Sun. numbers via Sports Business Daily)
