Overnight ratings were less than impressive for the opening day of Major League Baseball’s Division Series.
Game 1 of the Astros/Royals American League Division Series drew a 2.3 overnight rating on Fox Sports 1 Thursday night, down 28% from Royals/Angels last year (3.2) and down 18% from Dodgers/Braves in 2013 (2.8), both on TBS. The Astros’ win was interrupted by a 45-minute rain delay.
Earlier in the day, Game 1 of the Rangers/Blue Jays series had a mere 1.3 overnight — down 52% from Tigers/Orioles last year (2.7) and down 35% from Pirates/Cardinals in 2013 (2.0), again both on TBS. Keep in mind Toronto does not factor in to U.S. television ratings.
Last year’s Division Series openers on Fox Sports 1 took place on a Friday and earned overnights of 1.6 (Giants/Nationals) and 2.7 (Cardinals/Dodgers).
Thursday’s big declines came on the heels of a strong start to the postseason. The Wild Card games, which featured the Yankees and Cubs, both had substantial increases in the metered markets.
(Thu. numbers via Sports Business Daily)
