The NBA provided a major bounce to ESPN and TNT, as both networks posted their most viewed NBA Playoffs in history.
TNT averaged a 3.1 U.S. rating and 4.7 million viewers for its 43 NBA playoff games, up 19% and 24%, respectively, from a 2.6 and 3.8 million in ’08. The 4.7 million viewers is the most ever for the NBA Playoffs on Turner.
TNT’s playoff coverage was highlighted by the net’s highest rated first round ever (2.3 U.S. rating), the most-viewed first round game ever on cable (7 mil, Bulls/Celtics Game 7), the most-viewed second round game ever on cable (8.4 mil, Magic/Celtics Game 7), the net’s highest rated, most-viewed Conference Final ever (5.4 rating, 8.6 million viewers for Magic/Cavaliers), and the two most-viewed NBA Playoff games ever on cable (10.1 mil for Cavaliers/Magic Game 4, and 10.0 mil for Magic/Cavaliers Game 5).
Meanwhile, ESPN averaged a 3.1 U.S. rating and 4.9 million viewers for its playoff coverage, up 11% and 19%, respectively, from a 2.8 and 4.1 million last year, and the highest rated, most-viewed NBA Playoffs ever on the network. This marks the second straight year ESPN has had its highest rated, most-viewed NBA Playoffs.
Like TNT, ESPN had plenty to brag about. The network had its highest rated, most viewed second round of the playoffs (3.0 rating, 4.6 million viewers), and its highest rated, most-viewed Conference Final (5.3 rating, 8.7 million viewers for Lakers/Nuggets).
NBA Playoff games accounted for the six most-viewed basketball games (college or pro) in the history of ESPN.
Overall, four of the five most-viewed NBA Playoff games ever on cable took place this year. 14 playoff games drew at least 7 million viewers, compared to just 2 games during the previous two years.
