Overnight ratings for sporting events on broadcast.
Basketball.
4.6: NBA on ABC, Celtics/Pistons (8:30 PM Saturday)
2.2: NBA Countdown on ABC (8 PM Saturday)
0.6: WNBA on ABC, Storm/Silver Stars (3:30 PM Saturday)
- The 4.6 overnight for the Celtics’ Game 3 win over the Pistons last Saturday was up 21% from a 3.8 for Spurs/Jazz Game 3 last year. The 3.7 final rating fell nearly a full ratings point from the overnight.
- For the second straight week, WNBA ratings increased by double digits. The 0.6 overnight for Saturday’s game between Seattle and San Antonio was up 20% from a 0.5 for Sparks/Sun last year.
Auto racing.
5.1: IRL on ABC, Indianapolis 500 (1 PM Sunday)
4.4/9: NASCAR on FOX, Coca Cola 600 (5 PM Sunday)
2.6: IRL on ABC, Indy 500 pre-race show (12 PM Sunday)
0.5/1: Championship Off-Road Racing on NBC (1:30 PM Sunday, taped)
- The Indy 500 beat the Coca Cola 600 in the overnight ratings, but NASCAR finished on top where it counts. The Indy 500 drew a 5.1 overnight, 16% higher than the 4.4 overnight for the Coca Cola 600. But the NASCAR finished with a 4.7 final rating, 4% above the 4.5 final for Indy. Both races were up when compared to the same races last year, with the Indy 500 seeing a 5% jump, and NASCAR up 4%.
Golf.
1.8/4: PGA on CBS, Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, Final Round (3 PM Sunday)
1.4/4: PGA on CBS, Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, Third Round (3 PM Sat.)
0.6/2: Senior PGA Championship on NBC, Final Round (3 PM Sunday)
0.6/2: Senior PGA Championship on NBC, Third Round (3 PM Saturday)
- Ratings for the Colonial increased dramatically this weekend. The 1.8 overnight for final round action on Sunday was up 29% from a 1.4 last year, while the 1.4 for third round coverage on Saturday was up 40%. CBS averaged a 1.6 overnight for the event, up 33% from last year.
Other.
2.0/5: MLB on FOX, regional (3:30 PM Saturday)
0.4/1: Rolex Equestrian Championships on NBC (2 PM Saturday, taped)
0.4/1: Collegiate Nationals on CBS, Intramural Games (2 PM Saturday, taped)
- Great teams are no substitute for big markets. The 2.0 overnight for regional action featuring Braves/Diamondbacks on FOX marks a 26% decline from a 2.7 for Cubs/Dodgers last year.
