NEW YORK — NBA viewers watched 81.5 million hours of live games on ABC, ESPN and TNT in the opening week of the season, up 95% from opening week in 2019.
In terms of total hours, this season’s opening week was the most viewed since 2011, the league said Wednesday. That also was the last time the NBA season opened during the week of Christmas; it was on Dec. 25 that year and Dec. 22 this year.
The NBA season typically opens in October. The start of this season was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, whereas there was a labor dispute in 2011.
Games shown on ESPN on Christmas Day — New Orleans against Miami and the LA Clippers against Denver — were up 10% in average viewers (2.83 million) over the games shown in comparable windows on Christmas last season.
Opening week of the NBA was also a hit on social media. The NBA saw a 36% increase in video views and a 279% increase in minutes watched in this year’s opening week compared with opening week in 2019.
The NBA said opening week this year was the most-watched week in the 15-year history of its YouTube account and that the league’s account was the most-watched on Instagram last week.
Access control systems offer security, convenience, and savings for apartments. Upgrade today for smarter living…
Discover the best cities to see a concert in the USA, from Nashville's country scene…
Experience the thrill of the Hockey East Championship 2025 at TD Garden Boston. Top college…
Dive into our comprehensive college baseball preview 2025 season analysis. Explore top programs, emerging talent,…
Discover the top new country music artists 2025 poised to break through. From neo-traditionalists to…
Craving delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere in Boston? Explore Hub Hall's diverse food vendors,…