NBA Finals Opener Sees Historic Low Ratings Despite Thrilling Finish
Source: news.source.sunstar
The first game of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder recorded the lowest TV ratings for a Finals opener since 1988, despite a thrilling finish. The game, which saw Tyrese Haliburton lead the Pacers to a last-second victory, averaged a 4.7 rating and 8.91 million viewers on ABC. Despite the low overall numbers, the climax of the game peaked at 11 million viewers, with strong engagement among younger demographics and on social media.
Key Points
Game 1 of the NBA Finals had the lowest TV ratings since 1988, excluding the pandemic seasons.
The game averaged a 4.7 rating and 8.91 million viewers, marking an 18% drop in ratings and a 19% decline in viewership from the previous year.
The matchup involved small-market teams, Indiana Pacers (25th) and Oklahoma City Thunder (47th), which may have impacted viewership.
Despite the low ratings, the game's climax saw a peak of 11 million viewers.
Tyrese Haliburton's game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds left was a highlight, boosting engagement among younger viewers and on social media.
Oklahoma City remains the betting favorite at -350 despite losing Game 1.
