The 2024 NBA Draft, held over a two-day format for the first time, garnered significant viewership despite a lack of star power. The first round, broadcast on Wednesday night across ABC and ESPN, attracted 4.41 million viewers, an 18% increase from the previous year, setting a record audience overall. However, this fell short of last year's first-round-only telecast, which drew 4.93 million viewers. The second round, moved to an afternoon slot to avoid a presidential debate, saw a dip in viewership but peaked during Bronny James' selection. The draft's two-day format was a notable change, with the first night featuring lottery picks, high-powered agents, and fans at Barclays Center, while the second day lacked the same level of spectacle. ESPN's coverage of the draft averaged 2.22 million viewers with a 0.79 rating in the 18-49 demographic, while ABC averaged 2.193 million viewers with a 0.53 rating. Additionally, live shows for the event had almost 10 MILLION total viewers.
Second round of NBA Draft takes hit from afternoon slot. (Was moved out of primetime to avoid prez debate.) Viewership peaks during Bronny James' selection: https://t.co/AIwDaKlpur
The NBA Draft averaged 4.4 million viewers across ABC and ESPN—an 18% increase from the 2023 draft. Despite a lack of star power, this year's draft turned in strong viewership, @Alex__Schiffer writes ⬇️
Our @Stadium NBA Draft live shows for the first ever two-day event had almost 10 MILLION total viewers! Thanks @ShamsCharania @GoodmanHoops @RobbieHummel @franfraschilla and @camronsmith for the best coverage on any network. Really proud of our team the last two days! https://t.co/Lh4zVIqepI
The first round of the #NBADraft drew 4.41M viewers across ABC and ESPN on Wednesday night, the first time the first round had the night to itself. That audience would be lower than breakout of the 1st round in 2023, fueled by Wembanyama-mania. 📰 | @AustinKarp
Day 1 of 2024 NBA Draft delivers impressive viewership numbers for ESPN https://t.co/kxIpCdUZQV
The first round of the #NBADraft drew 4.41M viewers on Wednesday night across ABC and ESPN 🏀 While a record audience overall, it fell short of last year’s first-round-only telecast, which drew 4.93M viewers. 📰 | @AustinKarp
Day 1 of the NBA Draft averaged 4.41 million viewers on ESPN and ABC (+18% year-over-year). https://t.co/SmMw7CliEO
Was the NBA Draft’s two-day format a success? The first night was a made-for-television yet significant event, featuring lottery picks, high-powered agents and fans filing into Barclays Center. That did not exist Thursday. More from @MikeVorkunov ⤵️ https://t.co/nu7UwoU8kZ
NBA draft finally worth the longer wait for some players after moving to a two-day format https://t.co/RZsKLmSoAK
#NBADraft2024 on Wednesday. ESPN: 2.22M (and 0.79 in the 18-49 demo). ABC: 2.193M (0.53)
#NBADraft2024 on Wednesday on ESPN averaged 2.22M viewers and 0.79 in the 18-49 demo.