Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals averaged 24.5 million viewers on ABC. That peak climbed to 33 million as New York closed out its championship victory.
What We Know: The 2026 NBA Finals averaged 20.6 million viewers across five games, setting an ABC and ESPN audience record. ABC and ESPN also scored the most-watched NBA Finals since 1998 (average 29 million). That figure doubled last year’s seven-game series — a 100 percent increase. Game 5 alone was the most-watched NBA Finals game since 1998. Every night, ABC led all of television in key male and adult demos.
What The Data Shows:(all data via ESPN PR)
Game #
Average Viewership
Peak Viewership
1
16.93 million
19.63 million
2
16.43 million
19.42 million
3
23.8 million
26.3 million
4
20.9 million
23.2 million
5
24.5 million
33 million
What Remains Unclear: No top market data was released with the final figures. In addition, no social or digital metrics were also released.
What It Means: This is a massive win for ABC and ESPN. Obviously having the top market in the country involved helps. However, the results are quite impressive. Along with a record setting Stanley Cup Final, the early summer has proved extremely positive to ESPN.
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OutKick recorded explosive growth across key metrics in May 2026. The national multimedia sports platform posted 11.8 million desktop and mobile unique visitors, a 207% jump versus April.
What We Know: Total multiplatform views reached 56 million, up 176% month-over-month. Multiplatform minutes climbed to 61 million, a 26% increase. OutKick also ranked 18th out of more than 350 sports entities with 17.1 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors. That placed the platform ahead of DraftKings, AP News-Sports, Complex Sports, and The Ringer. The Fox News Digital integration also recently launched, expanding OutKick’s reach through the FoxNews.com homepage and app.
What They Said: Gary Schreier, OutKick’s senior vice president and managing editor: “OutKick’s growth has been driven by its willingness to cover stories that most sports outlets overlook and to feature voices offering unique perspectives on the issues shaping sports today. In May, that included leading the coverage around biological male AB Hernandez winning multiple events at the track and field championships and interviewing Martina Navratilova to discuss the transgender movement in sport.”
What Remains Unclear: The May data doesn’t break down which content categories or hosts drove the most traffic. It’s also unclear how much of the traffic lift stems from the Fox News Digital integration versus organic audience growth.
What It Means: OutKick continues to see growth in nearly every metric regarding multiplatform views, minutes, and unique visitors. However, OutKick shares the same challenges every brand has with social media. In comparison to last year’s May 2025 data on social and total video views, the brand is seeing some slight declines year over year. The Fox News Digital partnership absolutely gives the platform broader distribution and mainstream visibility despite the challenges on social and video views.
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Omaha Productions is heading to the felt. Peyton Manning’s company will produce the 2026 World Series of Poker Main Event and Final Table in Las Vegas for its return to ESPN.
What We Know: The WSOP returns to ESPN after last airing on the network in 2021. Last year, it aired on CBS Sports Network and PokerGo. Omaha will deploy more than 50 cameras across three feature tables. Coverage includes player profiles, commentary from Ali Nejad, Nick Schulman, Lon McEachern, and Norman Chad. Also, features giving viewers an inside look at amateur and professional gameplay.
What They Said: Ty Stewart, CEO of the World Series of Poker (via The Hollywood Reporter): “We’re thrilled to partner with Omaha Productions to lead our broadcast production as we return to ESPN. The WSOP Main Event and Final Table are the most exciting moments of the year for poker fans. Omaha understands how to tell stories to fans around live competition, which will elevate our broadcasts to new heights. We’re excited to have them bring this year’s event to viewers as WSOP returns to ESPN platforms.”
Dan Gati, head of content at Omaha Productions: “As a company, we continue to look for opportunities that allow us to grow and tell compelling stories across sports and entertainment. Producing the World Series of Poker Main Event & Main Event Final Table gives us an exciting opportunity to expand our live event slate and bring our production approach to one of the most recognizable competitions in sports and entertainment.”
What Remains Unclear: The WSOP broadcast schedule is unknown. It’s also unclear which ESPN platforms will carry the event or how many episodes are planned. Omaha’s growing portfolio — including Monday Night Football’s Manning Cast on ESPN, Netflix’s Quarterback, Receiver, and Starting 5.
What It Means: This deal signals Omaha Productions’ expands on the company’s push into live event programming. In addition, the WSOP partnership follows its weekly League One Volleyball commitment and expands its ESPN relationship. For poker fans, the return to ESPN — with a proven storytelling outfit running production — is a significant upgrade.
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As America 250 celebrations continue ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday, NewsNation is launching Spirit of America, a multi-platform reporting series highlighting communities and individuals across the country.
What We Know: The initiative debuts June 29 on Morning in America. It will air throughout the network’s daytime and primetime programming. Additional content will appear on NewsNation and The Hill’s digital platforms, while Nexstar’s local television station apps will also carry the series. Senior National Correspondent Brian Entin will travel through communities across the Midwest and Appalachia, focusing on stories that often receive little national attention. Coverage will spotlight themes including service, resilience, freedom, opportunity, and community. Featured stories include a veteran in Iowa assisting fellow servicemembers, a historic blacksmith shop in Maryland, a teenage civic leader in Florida, a Nevada Air Force veteran, volunteers carrying an American flag through all 50 states, and an Ohio farming family known for its sweet corn tradition.
What They Said: “America is a remarkable place, and its beauty can be found in every corner of the country – from iconic cities like Los Angeles and New York to the small towns and communities that connect us all. We are proud to take viewers on a new road trip that highlights what makes America truly unique.” -NewsNation President of News & Politics Cherie Grzech
What Remains Unclear:NewsNation has not disclosed how many installments will be included in the series. It is also unknown whether the project will continue beyond Independence Day.
What It Means: The launch gives NewsNation another opportunity to differentiate itself from larger cable news competitors. This series will emphasize feature storytelling and community-focused reporting. Furthermore, the project aligns with the broader America 250 effort taking shape across the media industry. The series also expands Brian Entin’s role as one of the network’s most recognizable correspondents. The road trip will conclude with Entin contributing to the network’s July 4 coverage.
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ESPN has announced its full schedule of Women’s Sports Sundays broadcasts, featuring TJ Maxx as the title sponsor of the programming. With ESPN losing its Sunday Night Baseball package, the network pivoted to a landmark embracing of women’s sports in primetime windows.
What We Know: ESPN debuts Women’s Sports Sundays on June 21, replacing Sunday Night Baseball with a nine-week primetime franchise. The block runs across ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+, and ESPN Deportes through August 16. Twelve live events are scheduled, featuring WNBA and NWSL matchups with stars including Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese, and Trinity Rodman.
What The Data Says:(ESPN Women’s Sports Sundays Schedule)
Date
Time (ET)
Game
Sun, June 21
7 p.m.
WNBA Countdown
Sun, June 21
8 p.m.
New York Liberty vs. Los Angeles Sparks
Sun, June 28
6:30 p.m.
WNBA Countdown
Sun, June 28
7 p.m.
New York Liberty vs. Golden State Valkyries
Sun, July 5
6:30 p.m.
WNBA Countdown
Sun, July 5
7 p.m.
Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces
Sun, July 12
6:30 p.m.
WNBA Countdown
Sun, July 12
7 p.m.
Chicago Sky vs. Dallas Wings
Sun, July 19
6:30 p.m.
WNBA Countdown
Sun, July 19
7 p.m.
Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury
Sun, July 26
8 p.m.
Women’s Sports Sundays Studio Show
Sun, July 26
9 p.m.
Angel City FC vs. Racing Louisville FC (NWSL)
Sun, Aug. 2
6:30 p.m.
WNBA Countdown
Sun, Aug. 2
7 p.m.
Connecticut Sun vs. Dallas Wings
Sun, Aug. 2
9 p.m.
Denver Summit vs. Boston Legacy (NWSL)
Sun, Aug. 9
6:30 p.m.
WNBA Countdown
Sun, Aug. 9
7 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks
Sun, Aug. 9
9 p.m.
Seattle Reign FC vs. Angel City FC (NWSL)
Sun, Aug. 16
4:30 p.m.
WNBA Countdown
Sun, Aug. 16
5 p.m.
Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream
Sun, Aug. 16
7 p.m.
Portland Fire vs. Phoenix Mercury
Sun, Aug. 16
9 p.m.
Angel City FC vs. Washington Spirit (NWSL)
What They Said: Danielle Brown, Senior Vice President, Sports and Streaming Brand Solutions, Disney Advertising: “The momentum behind women’s sports has created new opportunities for brands to engage with fans in meaningful and authentic ways. Women’s Sports Sundays is designed to showcase the very best of women’s sports in a dedicated primetime environment, and we’re thrilled to team up with TJ Maxx to help bring that vision to life. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to investing in women’s sports and creating experiences that resonate with audiences across ESPN and Disney’s platforms.”
Susie Piotrkowski, ESPN Vice President, Women’s Sports Programming & espnW: “Women’s sports continue to experience extraordinary growth. Women’s Sports Sundays reflects ESPN’s continued commitment to giving fans a dedicated destination for the biggest matchups, brightest stars and most compelling stories across women’s sports. We are bringing together elite competition across multiple leagues, world-class production and the reach of The Walt Disney Company, in a way no one other partner is able.”
What Remains Unclear: Specific commentator assignments and any additional coverage details haven’t been announced yet.
What It Means: ESPN is making a significant structural bet on women’s sports in primetime. It will be interesting to see if the viewership interest in women’s sports follows the audience to Sunday night’s on ESPN. ESPN was able to secure more WNBA product than NWSL product, despite the viewership success of the FIFA World Cup. Also, only two appearances by Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever is a little under what I felt ESPN could draw. However, the franchise isn’t a one-off event — it’s a branded, sponsored, multi-platform commitment. If ratings deliver, this summer could permanently reshape how ESPN programs its Sunday nights.
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Fox News is launching an extensive multiplatform programming effort to mark America 250. Coverage begins June 24 and continues through July 5.
What We Know: Live broadcasts will originate from major locations, including Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, Philadelphia, Liberty State Park in New Jersey, Mount Rushmore, and the new Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota. Several Fox News programs will travel on location for the festivities. FOX & Friends, America’s Newsroom, The Five, Special Report with Bret Baier, Hannity, and The Will Cain Show are among the programs slated for special broadcasts. Additionally, the network will air a July 4 primetime special, America 250: Celebrating Freedom, featuring Bret Baier, Harris Faulkner, Sean Hannity, Brian Kilmeade, and Dana Perino.
What’s at Stake: The effort represents one of the largest coordinated programming initiatives in Fox News Media history. Beyond television, the company is deploying digital, streaming, podcast, weather, and radio assets to capture audience attention during a historic national milestone. FOX Nation will offer exclusive programming and promotional pricing, while Fox News Audio will launch a dedicated America 250 SiriusXM channel and continue Bill Hemmer’s 250 Most Impactful Moments in American History podcast series.
What Remains Unclear: Fox News hasn’t disclosed how much original programming related to the America 250 celebration will continue beyond the July 4 holiday period.
What It Means: The project underscores Fox News Media’s strategy of leveraging every platform under its umbrella during major national events. At the same time, the initiative gives the company a unique opportunity to showcase its personalities across television, radio, streaming, podcasts, and digital outlets. As America 250 celebrations unfold nationwide, Fox News appears positioned to make itself a central destination for coverage of the historic anniversary.
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Audacy has a new Brand Manager in Phoenix. Ben “Complex” Romero now leads Live 101.5.
What We Know: Audacy elevated Complex to Brand Manager of Live 101.5 (KALV-FM) in Phoenix on June 16. He’ll oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations, and branding. Meanwhile, Complex will continue serving as Brand Manager for 106.5 The End (KUDL-FM) and 102.5 KSFM (KSFM-FM) in Sacramento. As a result, he now manages stations across two major markets.
What They Said: Molly Cruz, Top 40 Format Vice President, shared her excitement about the move. “Complex knows Phoenix inside and out, both behind the scenes and live on the air,” she said. “That unique perspective, combined with his passion for the listener experience, is exactly what will propel Live to new levels.” Likewise, Complex echoed that sentiment, calling Phoenix “a full-circle moment” in his career.
What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t detail who previously held the Brand Manager role at Live 101.5. Similarly, it’s unclear how Complex will balance leadership across three stations in two states. Furthermore, Audacy hasn’t outlined whether additional staffing changes will accompany this move. For now, those details remain unannounced.
What It Means: This promotion reflects Audacy’s confidence in proven, market-tested talent. Complex’s deep Phoenix roots, paired with his Sacramento success, make him a logical fit. Consequently, Live 101.5 gains a leader who understands both programming and audience connection. Ultimately, this move signals Audacy’s continued investment in experienced, multi-market programmers.
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What We Know: The company has announced that Linnae Young will succeed Power as the President of Broadcast Media. She has spent more than 30 years with the organization. She currently serves as the Chief Revenue Officer for Salem Media. She’ll continue in that role after her appointment to the President of Broadcast Media role. Allen Power will step down from the position on Wednesday, September 30th. Additionally, Jeff Reisman will be promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations on Thursday, October 1st.
What They Said: “Linnae has earned the respect of people across this company and throughout our industry. She knows our business inside and out and has been a driving force behind Salem’s success for more than three decades. Her leadership has made a lasting impact across Salem, and I’m excited to see her take on this expanded role.” -Salem Media CEO David Santrella
“It is an honor to step into this role at such an exciting time for Salem. Salem is growing in exciting ways. From Salem Creators Agency to Salem Political Solutions, we’re finding new ways to serve audiences and partners. I’m excited to help build what’s next, and to continue to help develop future leaders.” -Linnae Young
What’s at Stake: Linnae Young obviously has strong knowledge of Salem’s operations from her current role and decades of experience. She’ll be a strong asset in the position. It’s also another elevation for Reisman, who has worked in a variety of sales and leadership roles for Salem for the past 22 years.
What It Means: The proof is in the pudding. Salem Media often promotes from within, and it’s on display here. Two longtime company veterans are receiving promotions into key positions for the organization. Despite the changes, Salem likely remains on strong footing due to the institutional knowledge retained with these moves.
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Hockey Night in Canada is departing CBC after nearly 75 years. Sportsnet will now carry all NHL Saturday broadcasts going forward under a new 12-year, $7.7 billion rights deal.
What We Know: CBC first aired Hockey Night in Canada in 1952. The public broadcaster held exclusive Saturday night rights through the 2013-14 season. After that, a sub-licensing agreement with Rogers Communications kept NHL games on CBC. That arrangement expired at the end of the recent Stanley Cup playoffs and was not renewed. In its place, CBC will launch a new Saturday night prime time show on CBC and streaming on CBC Gem. Moreover, this programming features Canadian athletes competing at home and at the biggest events around the world.
What They Said: Doug Smith, executive vice-president, CBC: “As the proud home of Team Canada, we’re already investing in the L.A. Games in 2028 and setting a course for the French Alps in 2030. At the same time, our commitment doesn’t pause following the closing ceremony; we will be there between the Games – in every community, every arena, every early morning practice and every late night training session.”
Joint Statement From CBC, Sportsnet: “After a successful 12-year partnership, Sportsnet and CBC today announced the public broadcaster will no longer carry NHL broadcasts after the current season as it moves forward with a new sports programming strategy following the unprecedented success of the Milano/Cortina Olympic Games. Watching hockey on Saturday night is a time-honoured tradition for Canadians. Sportsnet is privileged to continue delivering that tradition. This has been a terrific partnership, and both parties look forward to continued opportunities to collaborate in the future.”
What Remains Unclear: Any financial terms of the separation is unknown. It is also unclear whether CBC will pursue any other live sports rights outside of hockey to fill the void.
What It Means: This marks a significant shift in Canadian sports media. For decades, CBC’s Saturday night hockey was a cultural institution. However, Sportsnet now holds exclusive control under Rogers’ landmark $7.7 billion deal. Moreover, Canadian fans will need a cable or streaming subscription to watch, as free over-air access ends.
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ESPN has re-signed Don Van Natta Jr. to a new multi-year deal. The Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter will continue leading high-impact investigative work for the network.
What We Know: Van Natta has been a senior writer at ESPN since 2012, operating within its Investigative, Enterprise and Digital Journalism Unit. Before ESPN, he spent 16 years at The New York Times, contributing to two Pulitzer Prize-winning teams. Earlier, he helped the Miami Herald earn the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service covering Hurricane Andrew. His recent ESPN work includes exclusive reporting that led to NFLPA leader Lloyd Howell’s resignation.
What They Said: Chris Buckle, ESPN Vice President, Investigative, Enterprise and Digital Journalism: “Don brings experience, expertise and unmatched persistence to his work every day, and we’re thrilled that he will be contributing to our journalism for years to come.”
What Remains Unclear: ESPN hasn’t disclosed the financial terms of the new contract. Additionally, it’s unknown whether Van Natta’s role will expand beyond his current investigative focus.
What It Means: This signing signals ESPN’s continued commitment to premium accountability journalism. Notably, the network also added six former Washington Post reporters this year. Together, these moves suggest ESPN is aggressively building a newsroom capable of continuing to compete with traditional media outlets. Investigative reporting is clearly a strategic priority, not an afterthought for ESPN.
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