NBA playoffs ratings are not actually the highest in 33 years, as reported
The NBA claims the first round of the 2026 playoffs is the most-watched since 1993, averaging 3.84 million viewers, a 7% increase from last year. However, changes in broadcast distribution and a new viewership measurement system complicate the comparison. As a result, the reported ratings gains may be inflated and not fully reflective of actual viewer growth.
- ▪The NBA reports the first round of the 2026 playoffs averages 3.84 million viewers, up 7% from 2025.
- ▪Games are now broadcast on ABC, NBC, ESPN, and Prime Video, whereas previously they aired on TNT, ESPN, and ABC, affecting comparability.
- ▪Regional sports networks no longer carry first-round games, forcing viewers to national broadcasts and increasing national viewership numbers.
- ▪The 2026 playoffs are the first fully measured using Nielsen’s new Big Data + Panel metric, which may inflate live sports viewership by up to 13%.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
OutKick NBA playoffs ratings are not actually the highest in 33 years, as reported The league says the first round is averaging 3.84M viewers, up 7%, but distribution and measurement changes muddy the picture By Bobby Burack OutKick Published April 30, 2026 3:15pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Should The NBA Add A European Team | Don't @ Me w/Dan Dakich Dan Dakich reacts to Adam Silver saying the NBA is considering expanding into Europe The NBA is touting the first round of the playoffs as the most-viewed since 1993. The league says the round is averaging 3.84 million viewers through 27 telecasts, up 7% from last year.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at OutKick.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from OutKick
