ESPN’s NBA coverage is enjoying its best start since the 2015-16 season. Meanwhile, its November 4 doubleheader averaged 1.8 million viewers, up 21% year over year.
What We Know: First, the Philadelphia 76ers’ win over the Detroit Pistons averaged 2 million viewers. That figure is up 47% from last year’s comparable matchup. Additionally, the audience peaked at 2.6 million during the 9:45 p.m. ET quarter-hour. Through eight games, NBA on ESPN is averaging 1.9 million viewers, an 8% increase over the same point last season and the network’s best start since the 2015-16 season, excluding 2020.
What Remains Unclear: However, ESPN did not provide a year-over-year comparison for the Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs game. That matchup averaged 1.6 million viewers and peaked at 1.9 million during the 10 p.m. quarter-hour. ESPN did not announce viewership information for the comparable matchup they used for this year’s figures.
What It Means: Ultimately, the numbers give ESPN a strong early story in its milestone 25th consecutive season of NBA coverage. Better yet, the schedule offers a chance to keep building. On Wednesday, November 11, ESPN airs a blockbuster doubleheader featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks. Additionally, the Golden State Warriors meet the Houston Rockets. Whether or not the early season momentum continues is yet to be seen.
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