The NBA playoffs kicked off with a bang as Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that the opening weekend's television ratings were the best seen in 25 years. With an average of 4.4 million viewers tuning in for the first eight games, there was a notable 17% increase from the previous year. ESPN also celebrated its most-watched opening weekend ever on its platforms, with a peak of over 8 million viewers for the thrilling Orlando-Boston matchup on Sunday. Silver emphasized the league's excitement in venturing into the digital realm, highlighting the potential for innovative viewer experiences like the ManningCast but on steroids, offering fans an array of alternative channels to engage with the game.
Despite a slow start attributed to stiff competition from the World Series and the presidential election, the NBA saw a gradual uptick in ratings throughout the season. Silver noted that the league rebounded impressively by only experiencing a 2% decline year over year as the regular season reached its conclusion. The success of the opening weekend served as a testament to the enduring appeal of the NBA and the evolving ways in which fans can follow the action, showcasing the league's resilience and adaptability in navigating an ever-changing media landscape.