The New York Rangers have gotten off to a great start in the ratings during the NHL’s lockout-shortened season. In other news, the Golden State Warriors have also had an impressive rise in local television ratings, and the NBA TV series “Open Court” set a viewership record.
Rangers Ratings Up Big on MSG
- Through 11 games, New York Rangers NHL telecasts have averaged a 1.95 rating on MSG Network in the New York market — up 187% from the first 11 games of last season (0.68). Last season, of course, began as scheduled in October. The early season average is nearly double last year’s full-season average of 0.99. Of note, the Rangers are outdrawing the rival Devils on MSG by 248% (1.95 to 0.56). (MSG press release)
Double-Digit Rise For Golden State
- Comcast SportsNet Bay Area averaged a 2.68 rating for Golden State Warriors games during the first half of the NBA season, up 28% from the first half of last year’s lockout-shortened season (2.1). The top rating of the season so far was a 4.99 for Warriors/Lakers in December, the network’s top Warriors audience in nearly five years. The midseason average tops last year’s full-season average of 1.8 by 49%. (NBC Sports Group; ’12 numbers from sfgate.com)
“Open Court” Sets Series Record
- The most recent episode of “Open Court” on NBA TV, a special episode commemorating Black History Month, earned a series-record 213,000 viewers February 5. Through six episodes, the second season of “Open Court” has averaged 152,000 viewers on NBA TV — up 103% from last season (75K). As part of NBA All-Star Weekend coverage, TNT will televise a new episode of the series on Saturday. (Turner Sports via The Futon Critic)
