Recent sports TV ratings news, including a decline for the finale of figure skating’s ISU Grand Prix, as well as big increases for both Friday’s NBA doubleheader on ESPN and TNT’s NBA coverage as a whole.
- NBC drew a 1.2 overnight rating for taped coverage of figure skating’s ISU Grand Prix Final, down a tick from last year (1.3). The 1.2 is tied as the highest ISU Grand Prix overnight on NBC this year (six telecasts), matching the November 14 Skate America telecast. (Sports Business Daily)
- ESPN drew a 1.8 U.S. rating and 2.756 million viewers for Heat/Warriors Friday night, up 50% in ratings and 51% in viewership from last year (ORL/PHX: 1.2, 1.827 mil). The game included ESPN.com writer Bill Simmons as part of the broadcast team. Earlier in the night, Lakers/Bulls drew a 1.6 and 2.480 million viewers, up 33% and 34%, respectively, from last year (POR/CLE: 1.2, 1.847 mil). (TV By The Numbers)
- Through 16 telecasts, TNT is averaging a 1.7 U.S. rating and 2.679 million viewers for NBA coverage, up 42% in ratings and 43% in viewership from last year (1.2, 1.877 mil), and up 70% and 75%, respectively, from 2008 (1.0, 1.533 mil). (Turner Sports)
