Introduction to the NBA’s Return to NBC
The NBA’s return to NBC with a doubleheader on Tuesday night averaged 5.61 million viewers, the most-watched October opening night in 15 years according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel measurements and digital data from Adobe Analytics.
Viewership Numbers and Comparison to Previous Years
It was also an 87% increase over the 3 million that watched on TNT Sports last year. The significant jump in viewership is a positive sign for the NBA and NBC, indicating a strong interest in the league’s return to the network.
Breakdown of the First Game
The first game between the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets averaged 5.85 million viewers on NBC and Peacock. The audience for the Thunder’s 125-124 double-overtime win peaked at 7.1 million for the second overtime period. It was the most-watched opening night game in the early window since 2010, when LeBron James made his debut for Miami. The Heat’s game against Boston averaged 7.4 million on TNT.
Breakdown of the Second Game
The second game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers averaged 5.11 million, making it the most-viewed game in the late window and a 76% increase over the Lakers-Minnesota Timberwolves game last year. The Warriors’ 119-109 win over the Lakers started on Peacock before going to NBC during the second quarter after the first game was finished.
Impact and Future Broadcasts
According to Nielsen, NBC won the night in prime time among adults ages 18-49 across all networks. NBC will air games on Tuesday nights and then also on Sunday nights beginning on February as part of its 11-year rights deal. Tuesday was the network’s first NBA game since the 2002 NBA Finals between the Nets and Lakers.
Conclusion
The NBA’s return to NBC has been successful, with significant viewership numbers that surpass previous years. The doubleheader averaged 5.61 million viewers, with both games showing substantial increases in viewership compared to last year’s opening night. This bodes well for the future of the NBA on NBC, as the network prepares to air games on Tuesday and Sunday nights as part of its rights deal.
FAQs
- Q: How many viewers watched the NBA’s return to NBC on Tuesday night?
A: The NBA’s return to NBC with a doubleheader on Tuesday night averaged 5.61 million viewers. - Q: What was the peak audience for the Thunder-Rockets game?
A: The audience for the Thunder’s 125-124 double-overtime win peaked at 7.1 million for the second overtime period. - Q: How often will NBC air NBA games?
A: NBC will air games on Tuesday nights and then also on Sunday nights beginning on February as part of its 11-year rights deal.
