The first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs are under way, and the opening slate of games saw an increase in TV ratings.
The first weekend of games averaged 4.15 million between ESPN, ABC and TNT. That number was up 3% year over year and the best since 2011.
Game 1 of the Kings/Warriors series averaged 6.26 million on Saturday night. The broadcast peaked at 7.56 million from 11-11:15 p.m. eastern. It placed third as the most-watched series opener in the last 20 years. The ABC broadcast also saw the largest audience of the season for the NBA.
The third biggest audience of the season in the league tuned in to Game 1 of Lakers/Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon. Coverage of that game also aired on ABC and averaged 5.54 million, peaking at 7.49 million.
Game 1 of the Clippers/Suns series was the most-watched program on TV in the 18-49 and 18-34 demographics. That game brought in 5.04 million viewers.
