The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent showdown against the Golden State Warriors captured an impressive average of 7,763,000 viewers, marking it as the most-watched NBA regular-season game since 2019. This match was particularly significant as it showcased iconic players LeBron James and Stephen Curry, with viewership peaking at 8,324,000 at 10:30 p.m. ET, reflecting a remarkable 499 percent increase compared to a similar game the previous year (Philadelphia vs. Miami).
In addition to this standout performance, the NBA’s Christmas Day games on ESPN platforms averaged 5,254,000 viewers, making it the most-watched Christmas lineup in five years, with an 84 percent increase from 2023. The entire schedule was streamed across multiple platforms including ABC, ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN+, and featured diverse viewing options like the animated Dunk the Halls presentation during the San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks game. The noon game alone drew an average of 4,913,000 viewers, the highest for an opening Christmas game in 13 years.
Other notable matchups included the Phoenix Suns versus the Denver Nuggets, which attracted 3,840,000 viewers, setting a record for the late Christmas window, and the Boston Celtics facing the Philadelphia 76ers, which garnered 5,161,000 viewers. Each of these games demonstrated a growing enthusiasm for the NBA, showcasing an overall increase in viewership across ESPN platforms, which rose four percent from last season.
This surge in viewership not only highlights the growing popularity of the NBA but also signals a positive trend for sports viewership as fans increasingly tune in for both traditional matchups and unique viewing experiences.
In summary, the impressive ratings across these key NBA matchups, especially on Christmas, indicate that the sport continues to thrive, attracting larger audiences and generating excitement among fans. The strong performances from teams and players alike promise an exhilarating season ahead, heralding a renewed passion for basketball.