Coming off of one of its highest rated games ever, ABC has seen a solid jump in ratings for NBA coverage.
Through its first seven games, ABC is averaging a 3.0 rating and 5.1 million viewers for NBA coverage, up 20% and 31% respectively from a 2.5 and 3.9 million through seven games last year. Ratings have increased or held steady for six of ABC’s seven telecasts.
Last Sunday, ABC drew a 2.4 rating and 3.6 million viewers for Spurs/Celtics and a 3.8 with 6.1 million for Lakers/Cavaliers, both up in ratings from last year’s comparable games. The latter was the highest rated regular season game ever on ABC, excluding Christmas Day telecasts.
So far this season, ABC has seen substantial growth in key male demographics, including a 35% jump among Men 18-34 and a 30% jump in Men 18-49.
Overall, the 3.0 average for the NBA on ABC is tied as the best through seven games since the network took over NBA rights in 2002.
Average ratings for NBA on ABC.
*through seven games
2008-9: 3.0 (7th game on 2/8/09)
2007-8: 2.5 (7th game on 2/10/08)
2006-7: 2.4 (7th game on 2/11/07)
2005-6: 2.7 (7th game on 2/12/06)
2004-5: 3.0 (7th game on 3/6/05)
2003-4: 2.7 (7th game on 2/8/04)
2002-3: 2.9 (7th game on 3/9/03)
