Let’s look at the ratings for the first three games of the NBA Finals on ABC. ESPN says the ratings for the first three games are averaging a 9.1 with an average viewership of 15.3 million viewers. Those are the highest levels since 2004 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit which averaged 10.4 and 15.9 million viewers.
The overnight rating for Game 3 on ABC was an 11.1 which won primetime, but compared with last year’s Game 4 between the Lakers and the Boston Celtics, it was down 4%.
We have the ESPN press release which does not mention the final rating from Sunday night.
NBA Finals on ABC Most Viewed Since 2004 Averaging 15.3 Million Viewers Through Three Games
Based on fast nationals, the 2011 NBA Finals on ABC – with the Miami Heat leading the Dallas Mavericks 2-1 in the best-of-seven series – are averaging 15,311,000 viewers, 10,543,000 household impressions and a 9.1 rating, according to Nielsen. This year’s Finals have been the most-viewed since 2004 (Los Angeles Lakers/Detroit Pistons – 15,916,000 viewers; 11,228,000 households; 10.4 rating). All three games from the 2011 Finals on ABC have delivered the highest-rated programs of the night.
Compared to 2006, when these same two teams met in The Finals, the series is up 27 percent among viewers, up 21 percent among households and 15 percent in rating. Compared to 2010, this year’s Finals are up one percent in households (10,479,000), up slightly in viewership (15,252,000) and are even in rating (9.1).
The Finals on ABC continue with Game 4 Tuesday, June 7, at 9 p.m. ET. Mike Breen calls The Finals on ABC with analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy and reporter Doris Burke. The Finals are also available on ESPN Radio (Mike Tirico and Hall of Famers Dr. Jack Ramsay and Hubie Brown) and ESPN 3D (Mark Jones and Tim Legler for Game 4). Coverage will begin with the NBA Countdown pregame show at 8:30 p.m., hosted by Stuart Scott with Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and analysts Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon.
That is all.
