While the NBA's opening night doubleheader on TNT last Tuesday was up seven percent year-over-year, the next two nights were ratings disappointments. The NBA benefitted from not going against Game 7 of the NLCS as they did in 2023, while also featuring a number of big market teams. The later game also featured LeBron James playing with his son, Bronny James, for the first time.
Wednesday's doubleheader featuring the Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers followed by Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers averaged 1.6 million viewers and was down 42 percent from 2023. The games were marred by the absence of notable stars Joel Embiid, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. The two-game average, however, is up five percent compared to 2022 as last year saw an increase due to the NBA debut of Victor Wembanyama.
The opening game of Thursday's national television slate was down 29 percent compared to 2023.
The NBA finalized their 11-year, $76 billion media rights contracts over the summer.