The British Open’s return to broadcast posted an increase in the metered markets.
Third round coverage of the British Open earned a 2.75 overnight rating on NBC Saturday, up 6% from last year on ESPN, when coverage aired on a Sunday due to rain (2.6). Compared to last year’s Saturday coverage, overnights increased 25% from a 2.2 for roughly two hours of live play and 76% from a 1.6 for the full telecast window.
Figures are for the 9 AM-2:30 PM ET portion of the telecast. Keep in mind NBC came on air at 7 AM.
The 2.75 is the highest for third round coverage of the British Open since 2013 (3.1). The last time third round coverage aired on a broadcast network — ABC in 2009 — it earned a 2.4 overnight.
Of note, Saturday’s telecast scored a higher overnight than the third round of the U.S. Open on FOX (2.5). Keep in mind the U.S. Open aired in a later timeslot (11 AM-8 PM, versus 9 AM-2:30 PM).
(Sat. numbers from NBC Sports)
