The NBA Play-In Tournament has seen a significant rise in viewership across various games, according to Nielsen data. The opening double-header, featuring Lakers vs. Pelicans and Warriors vs. Kings, attracted an average of 4 million viewers, marking a 37% increase from 2023. Additionally, ESPN reported record-breaking viewership for the Eastern Conference games on April 17, with the Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers game drawing 3,403,000 viewers, peaking at 5,490,000 viewers, a 52% increase from the previous year. This game set a record as the most-watched Eastern Conference NBA Play-In Tournament game ever. The Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls game also saw a substantial viewership of 3,071,000, up 31%. Overall, the tournament's viewership concluded with a 22% increase over the previous year.
Friday (4/19) sports viewership: -- Despite quieter finish, NBA Play-in Tournament finishes with 22% increase over last year https://t.co/sYqo1BF983
Friday NBA play-ins: Bulls/Heat: 2.3m: (2.253m ESPN + 27K ESPN Deportes) Kings/Pelicans: 2.6m (2.521m TNT +46K truTV)
ESPN says the #Sixers-#Heat NBA Play-In Tournament game averaged 3,403,000 viewers, peaking with 5,490,000. It was up 52% from last year’s East 7/8 game. It is the most-watched Eastern Conference NBA Play-In Tourney game ever. @KYWNewsradio
🏀 ESPN delivered the two largest Eastern Conference NBA Play-In Tournament audiences ever on April 17. 1⃣Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 3,403,000 viewers, peaking with 5,490,000 viewers. Up 52%. 2⃣Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls: 3,071,000 viewers. Up 31%. (Nielsen) https://t.co/gaR2CoDq2u
The opening double-header for the NBA Play-In Tournament featuring Lakers-Pelicans and Warriors-Kings averaged 4 million viewers as a whole. This represents a 37% jump from 2023. https://t.co/aNemqs5VhW