ESPN has reached new heights with its partnership with the NBA. Through the first two rounds, the 2023 NBA Playoffs are the most watched ever on ESPN platforms, according to Nielsen. On average, the NBA Playoffs have pulled in 5,226,000 viewers across 27 games on ESPN platforms. This is a 14% increase from last year!
The Boston Celtics versus Philadelphia Sixers Game 7 matchup on May 14, specifically, delivered the largest NBA Conference Semifinals audience on ABC in 12 years! The broadcast of the highly anticipated, crunch time matchup, averaged 8,441,000 viewers and peaked at 10,165,000 viewers between 5:45-6:00 PM ET. The program was also the most-watched of the day on Mother’s Day across all of television – including all key demographics! And the most-watched since 2011 on ESPN platforms.
And it comes as no surprise given the historic rivalry between the two legendary franchises. As we all saw, Jayson Tatum put on an iconic performance on the Celtics’ home court to bring the team back into the Eastern Conference Finals – where they face off with a familiar foe.
The 2023 NBA Playoffs continue on ESPN platforms with Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals – Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets – on Tuesday, May 16, at 8:30 PM.
CELTICS WIN GAME 7 TO RETURN TO THE ECF‼️ pic.twitter.com/mUwRW7LaG5
— ESPN (@espn) May 14, 2023
NBA Playoff Viewership Highlights:
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 16, 2023
🏀 Lakers-Warriors Series Averages 7.8M Viewers (27-Year High for Conference Semifinals)
🏀 Celtics-76ers Game 7 on ABC Averages 8.4M Viewers (Most-Watched CSF G7 in 15 Years)
🏀 NBA Playoffs Across ABC, ESPN and TNT: Most-Watched in 12 Years pic.twitter.com/WhpYb6IXJd
