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[01/09/26 - 08:47 AM]
ESPN's Second Most-Watched NBA Regular Season Ever
Through 21 games, the NBA on ESPN networks is averaging 2.6M viewers, up 35 percent from last season.
[via press release from ESPN]

ESPN's second most-watched NBA regular season ever

· Significant growth among youth, women and Hispanic viewers

· ESPN networks have carried seven of the top 10 most-viewed games this season according to Nielsen

· Substantial viewership across ESPN NBA studio programming, including Inside the NBA, NBA Countdown and NBA Today

ESPN has delivered its second most-watched NBA regular season ever through Christmas, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. Through 21 games, the NBA on ESPN networks is averaging 2.6M viewers, up 35 percent from last season. Viewership for the 2025-26 regular season trails only the 2010-11 campaign. It excludes the 2011-12 and 2020-21 seasons, which were both shortened and had non-traditional schedules.

ESPN's coverage of the NBA has also delivered significant year over year growth in key demographics this season. Through 21 games, viewership among P2-17 is up 45 percent, while viewership among women is up 47 percent. Additionally, Hispanic viewership is up 37 percent.

Overall, ESPN networks have carried seven of the top 10 most-watched NBA games this season according to Nielsen, including all five Christmas games - three of which averaged more than 6M viewers for the first time ever. For more information on ESPN's most-watched NBA Christmas in seven years, visit ESPNPressRoom.com.

Studio coverage

ESPN has also generated substantial viewership for its NBA studio programming this season. Through Christmas, Inside the NBA is averaging 1.2M viewers across ESPN and ABC. NBA Countdown is averaging 582K viewers so far this season, up 20 percent from last year's regular season average. In addition, NBA Today - ESPN's weekday studio offering - is averaging 361K viewers this season, an increase of 26 percent from this time last year.

All of ESPN. All in One Place.

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able shortform vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.

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