Friday, May 15, 2026
    More
    Media

    NBA, ESPN Boast Most-Watched 1st Round Since 2014

    • Ratings are spiking just as the league seeks $75 billion for its new media rights in 2025.
    • The league averaged 1.6 million viewers across ABC, ESPN, and TNT — the most since 2018-19.
    By
    May 03, 2022 | 03:00 pm
    Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

    The NBA has started negotiating for a new media rights deal for 2025 — and the league has built a stronger case to bring in the $75 billion its asking from Turner Sports and ESPN.

    Per ESPN, this postseason was the most-watched first round of the NBA Playoffs since 2014 and third-most since 2003.

    The network’s eight games averaged 3.34 million viewers — up 28% from 2021 and 69% from 2020 — tough both of those seasons were shortened due to COVID-19.

    Regular-season viewership across ABC, ESPN, and TNT increased by 19% from the 2020-21 season — the 1.6 million viewers represented the league’s highest average since 2018-19. 

    Other outlets like NBA League Pass saw a 30% spike in subscribers, and the league’s social media platforms garnered 13 billion video plays, a 7% increase from last year.

    ESPN’s weekday studio show “NBA Today” is up 33% compared to last year.

    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Sign up for
    The Memo Newsletter

    Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Linkedin
    Whatsapp
    Copy Link
    Link Copied
    Link Copied

    What to Read

    Oct 4, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; ESPN college basketball analyst Sean Farnham emcees during Numerica Kraziness in the Kennel at the McCarthey Athletic Center
    by

    ESPN Making Wooden Award Ceremony More Like Heisman
    This year’s award winner will be revealed live in Los Angeles.
    Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL insider reporter
    by and

    How Ian Rapoport, Daniel Jeremiah Fit in ESPN’s Plans
    ESPN has high hopes for two of NFL Network’s biggest stars.
    exclusive
    by

    Jones, Medcalf Leaders to Replace Clinton Yates on ESPN Radio
    Jones and Medcalf currently host a Sunday morning ESPN Radio show.
    by

    McAfee: Masters ‘Told Us to Go to Hell’ on Show Pitch—Three Times
    McAfee is a fan of Jason Kelce’s role at Augusta National.

    Featured Today
    by

    ‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch
    Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
    Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
    March 28, 2026

    March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era
    The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
    Maxime Vachier Lagrave
    March 25, 2026

    The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment
    Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
    Beau Brune/LSU
    March 22, 2026

    College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies
    “There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”

    More in Media
    Taylor Zarzour
    by

    3 Questions With the New Radio Voice of the Masters
    Taylor Zarzour is filling in for Mike Tirico on SiriusXM this year.
    April 2, 2026

    Amazon Drags the Masters Into the Streaming Era
    Prime Video’s coverage means more streaming, viewing hours, and on-air talent.
    April 2, 2026

    MLB’s Deals With Netflix and NBC Off to Strong Ratings Start
    The audience figure formed part of a big opening week for the league. 
    Sponsored

    Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar
    MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
    Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
    April 1, 2026

    Business as Usual at NFL Network as ESPN Era Begins
    There were no noticeable on-air changes for NFL Network on Wednesday.
    May 7, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Adam Ottavino (0) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
    exclusive
    April 1, 2026

    Adam Ottavino Joins Revamped ESPN MLB Lineup
    The 15-year MLB vet spent the past four seasons with the Mets.
    April 1, 2026

    Pegula, WTA Stars Eye Live Podcast Shows at Tournaments
    The show hosted by Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys is growing.
    March 31, 2026

    NFL Seeks Buyers for 5 Games, Drops ‘MNF’ Doubleheaders
    The league looks at several major changes to its upcoming broadcast schedule.