In its return to broadcast TV, the Women’s British Open surged in the metered markets. In other news, horse racing’s Haskell Invitational sank from last year’s American Pharoah-fueled high, and the E-League’s regular season audience was small but skewed young.
Women’s British Open Sees Big Jump in Move to NBC
- Final round coverage of the Women’s British Open pulled a 0.75 overnight rating on NBC Sunday morning, up 200% from last year on ESPN2. Overnights were virtually even with 2009, the previous time coverage aired on a broadcast network (0.8). Third round coverage on Saturday had a 0.6 overnight. (via NBC Sports, Sports Business Daily)
Haskell Invitational Down From American Pharoah High
- NBC earned a 0.8 overnight rating for the Breeders Cup Challenge Haskell Invitational Sunday evening, down 43% from last year, when American Pharoah won, but even with 2014. It was the weekend’s top sporting event on broadcast outside of the PGA Championship. (via SBD)
E-League Viewership Small, But Young
- Turner Sports’ E-League video gaming competition averaged 249,000 viewers during its May 27-July 15 regular season, according to Sports Business Journal, topped by 386,000 for coverage on June 3. Despite the small overall audience, E-League telecasts attracted an audience “five years younger than the typical TBS audience.” (via Sports Business Journal)
