The NBA Lockout Didn't Hurt at All: Local and National TV Ratings Are Astronomical
By Jason McIntyre
"The NBA is experiencing its strongest TV viewership since the Michael Jordan era, with local ratings up 19 percent and four teams more than doubling last year’s local ratings. The numbers are just as good nationally, where ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV are on pace to post their highest NBA game ratings ever. Through four games, ABC is averaging 2.063 million viewers, up 10 percent. Through 21 telecasts, TNT is averaging 2.7 million viewers, up 25 percent from last season. ESPN is averaging 2.063 million viewers through 28 games, up 20 percent. And NBA TV is averaging 352,000 viewers through 52 games, up 52 percent."
Remember how the lockout could have killed the NBA, and all the equity the league built up last year with LeBron and the Heat? [Sports Business Daily]