Gregg Giannotti has stopped believing the numbers. The WFAN host says networks and streamers are both spinning the story on viewership, where none of the figures make any sense.
What We Know: Giannotti made the comments Friday on WFAN’s Boomer and Gio. Netflix’s MLB Home Run Derby drew 5.3 million viewers, its lowest total since 2003 and down from 5.73 million on ESPN a year earlier. FOX’s MLB All-Star Game, by contrast, averaged 8.79 million viewers, its largest audience since 2018. Giannotti pointed to that gap as proof the industry can’t be trusted.
What They Said: (All quotes via Boomer & Gio on WFAN)
WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti doesn’t believe current viewership figures by networks for sports: “I don’t believe any numbers that come out of sporting events anymore. If you catch me using the ratings argument for the popularity of a sport, stop me. I am saying right now I don’t believe any of it.”
WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti doesn’t understand how FOX Sports did so well with the MLB All Star Game: “You all had an All Star game that had the two biggest stars in Othani and Judge not there and being a part of it. The game was a complete dud. It almost feels to me there is this push from the networks that have been losing to the streaming services. The number, they’re just pumping out false stuff to make it seem like they’re winning over the streaming services.”
WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti on the differences in how Netflix and FOX Sports judge viewership success: “Netflix, I don’t even think they care what that number was for the Home Run Derby. They’re based on subscriptions. Like that [ratings] doesn’t really matter. If they pick up a number of subscriptions, they just want live sporting events. But I don’t believe any of it anymore. I really don’t.”
What Remains Unclear: Giannotti didn’t specify whether he doubts Nielsen’s methodology or the networks’ spin. He also didn’t name other past figures he considers inflated. Meanwhile, neither FOX Sports nor Netflix has responded publicly. So the dispute stays one-sided for now.
What It Means: Giannotti’s skepticism reflects a wider gap between linear and streaming metrics. Networks chase ratings wins, while Netflix leans on subscriptions instead. Consequently, fans and advertisers lack one consistent yardstick. Until that changes, on-air doubt like his will likely keep spreading.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.