NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
According to Nielsen, viewership for the 2025 NBA Playoffs on ESPN platforms (including ESPN and ABC) has increased by 12% compared to the previous year. During the Conference Semifinals, which consisted of 22 games, ESPN reported an average of 4,883,000 viewers, marking the second-highest ratings for the NBA Playoffs since 2011.
The Game 7 matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder on ABC attracted an average of 6,340,000 viewers, with a peak audience of 7,632,000 at 5:15 p.m. ET, making it the top-rated program on May 18 across all major demographics.
Additionally, Friday’s Game 6 between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks on ESPN drew an average of 5,730,000 viewers, peaking at 6,603,000 viewers at 9 p.m. It was the most-viewed broadcast of the day for May 16 and saw a 14% rise from last year’s equivalent Game 6 featuring the Knicks and Indiana Pacers.
