NBA Fans Still Hungry for More as Ratings Trail Last Year’s Pace
NBA Finals Viewership Hits a Lull: What’s Behind the Decline?
The NBA Finals have always been a marquee event in the sports world, but this year’s series between the Pacers and Thunder has left many wondering if the excitement is starting to wane. With Game 3 averaging just 9.19 million viewers on ABC, down nearly 20% from last year’s comparable game, it’s clear that the numbers are not what they used to be.
The decline in viewership is a trend that’s been observed across the series so far, with the three-game average dropping by 23% compared to last year’s. While Game 3 itself was a closely contested affair, with neither team leading by double digits until the final minutes, it’s hard not to feel that the games are just not as engaging as they once were.
A Closer Series Could Be the Key to Revitalizing Viewership
Despite the numbers being lower than expected, there’s a positive sign for the series: the Thunder remain betting favorites, but at only around two-to-one odds versus seven-to-one at the beginning of the series. A closer and more competitive series could help bring in new viewers and reinvigorate fan enthusiasm. Will we see a dramatic turn-around in the latter games, or will the numbers continue to stagnate?
The reality is that an average of 9 million viewers may not be as impressive relative to its past viewership, but the games are still some of the most-watched TV programs since the Super Bowl. The NBA has not had a six-game Finals series since 2022, and the last seven-game series in 2016 drew massive audiences, including the do-or-die Game 7, which attracted 31 million viewers.
What’s Behind the Decline? Is There Hope for Revitalization?
So, what’s
On the other hand, the NBA has been working
As we head into the latter stages of this series, one question lingers on everyone’s mind: will the Pacers’ Game 3 win be enough to turn things around, or will the Thunder continue to hold a decisive advantage? Only time will tell.