NBA Game 2 Lost Viwers From Game 1

Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday drew 8.76 million viewers on ABC, according to Nielsen data reported by Sports Media Watch, marking the least-watched Game 2 since 2020’s bubble series (Heat vs. Lakers, 7.54 million). Excluding 2020, it’s the lowest since 2007 (Spurs vs. Cavaliers, 8.55 million). Viewership dropped nearly 30% from last year’s Game 2 (Celtics vs. Mavericks, 12.3 million) and fell below 2021’s pandemic-affected series (Bucks vs. Suns, 9.38 million).

Despite a thrilling Game 1, where Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds left drew 8.91 million viewers and peaked at 11 million, Game 2 failed to sustain momentum. Oklahoma City’s double-digit lead for most of the game led to a viewership peak of just 9.9 million. The series’ first two games averaged 8.84 million viewers, down at least 24% from the past three Finals, and less than half of 2018’s Warriors-Cavaliers series (18.1 million).

Though the Thunder and Pacers hail from smaller markets, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted their global appeal, noting, “The passion for NBA basketball in Oklahoma City is felt worldwide.” While the NBA postseason saw a 3% viewership increase through the conference finals, the Finals’ lackluster start contrasts with broader trends, including a significant drop in U.S. NHL ratings but a surge in Canada.