The Indiana Pacers' 111-110 comeback win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals drew an average audience of 8.91 million viewers, which was down 19 percent from Game 1 of the 2024 Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. The viewership was the NBA's lowest for a non-COVID Finals Game 1 since 9.21 million viewers tuned in for 2007 San Antonio Spurs-Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Thunder entered the series as heavy favorites, so it remains to be seen whether Indiana's thrilling comeback will give ABC an increase for Game 2. A competitive series typically has an increase in viewership as it progresses.
By comparison, Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Pacers and New York Knicks drew 8.12 million viewers.
ABC is closing in on a sellout of its ad inventory for Games 2-5. If the series reaches six games, the network should generate above $265 million in paid airtime.
The Thunder entered the series as heavy favorites, so it remains to be seen whether Indiana's thrilling comeback will give ABC an increase for Game 2. A competitive series typically has an increase in viewership as it progresses.
By comparison, Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Pacers and New York Knicks drew 8.12 million viewers.
ABC is closing in on a sellout of its ad inventory for Games 2-5. If the series reaches six games, the network should generate above $265 million in paid airtime.
Game 1 Of NBA Finals Draws Lowest Non-COVID Year Audience Since 2007
Game 1 Of NBA Finals Draws Lowest Non COVID Year Audience Since 2007 - RealGM Wiretap
basketball.realgm.com
