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.
Hikers understand the importance of having quality hiking boots for hiking adventures. Use these helpful…
If you’re getting ready for your first masquerade party, you may be feeling a mix…
Discover four tips to spark romance during your special honeymoon. Learn how you can create…
Some restaurants change their menu with the seasons, so why not change your wine? Discover…
Discover why professional athletes that love Bitcoin are increasingly embracing crypto, from diversification strategies to…
A stage production needs an engaged audience to be a success. Here's how to improve…