The 2012 NBA Draft was the second-most viewed since ESPN began airing the event in 2003.
First and second round coverage of the NBA Draft drew a 1.9 U.S. rating and 2.959 million viewers on ESPN Thursday night, down 10% in ratings and 8% in viewership from last year (2.1, 3.202M), but flat in ratings and up 6% in viewership from 2010 (1.9, 2.789M).
Though down from last year, the telecast ranks as the second-most viewed NBA Draft ever on ESPN (ten telecasts dating back to 2003).
For some perspective, the complete 2012 NFL Draft averaged a combined 3.681 million viewers on ESPN/ESPN2 (2.924M) and NFL Network (757K). While that may seem like a surprisingly small gap between the two events, keep in mind that the NFL Draft lasted three days and included five more rounds.
Ratings/Viewership For the NBA Draft
Past five seasons
| Year | Date | #1 Pick | Net | Rating | Viewers (000) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Thu., 6/28/12 | Davis | ESPN |
1.9
|
2,959
|
| 2011 | Thu., 6/23/11 | Irving | ESPN |
2.1
|
3,202
|
| 2010 | Thu., 6/24/10 | Wall | ESPN |
1.9
|
2,789
|
| 2009 | Thu., 6/25/09 | Griffin | ESPN |
1.8
|
2,639
|
| 2008 | Thu., 6/26/08 | Rose | ESPN |
2.1
|
2,895
|
(This year’s numbers from ESPN)
