National NBA Viewership Down 18 Percent Total Cable Also Down 13 Percent

Total NBA viewership is down 18 percent this year across ESPN, TNT, and ABC, even after accounting for the NBA Cup final drawing 2.99 million viewers. Last year’s NBA Cup final averaged 4.58 million viewers. 

While there have been a number of reasons cited for the decline in the NBA’s ratings, total cable viewership is also down 13 percent this year.

The NBA’s next media-rights deal begins next season and will include streaming options on Amazon and Peacock. The NFL’s ratings tend to be lower on Amazon. 

The NBA’s viewership on Christmas has also dwindled due to the NFL. Last season, the NBA averaged 2.85 million viewers on Christmas as opposed to the NFL which drew at least 27 million viewers for all three games.