The numbers paled in comparison to what TNT drew one night earlier, but ESPN had a double-digit increase for its season opening NBA doubleheader Wednesday night.
ESPN averaged a 1.20 U.S. rating and 1.774 million viewers for Wednesday’s NBA doubleheader, up 28% in ratings and 24% in viewership from last year (0.94, 1.429 mil).
In particular, Bulls/Thunder drew a 1.16 and 1.697 million viewers, up 42% in ratings and 38% in viewership from last year (NO/SA: 0.82, 1.231 mil), and up 8% and 9%, respectively, from 2008 (PHX/SA: 1.07, 1.551 mil).
The late Blazers/Clippers game earned a 1.24 and 1.854 million viewers, up 17% in ratings and 15% in viewership from last year (UTA/DEN: 1.06, 1.608 mil), but down 12% and 10%, respectively, from ’08 (LAL/LAC: 1.41, 2.053 mil).
In each of the past three years, ESPN’s season-opening NBA doubleheader has aired opposite the World Series on FOX.
(ESPN)
