The NBA Finals returned to the spotlight with a thrilling conclusion as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7, marking the most-watched Finals matchup in half a decade. Broadcasted on ABC and ESPN+, the game attracted an average of 16.53 million viewers, peaking at nearly 19.3 million during the final moments of the second half. This surge in viewership highlights a resurgence in interest for the league’s championship series after several years of declining ratings. Despite the dip in overall series viewership compared to last year’s Celtics-Mavericks matchup, the final game demonstrated strong audience engagement, especially among primetime television audiences.
A Record-Breaking Viewership Surge in Prime Time
The closing moments of Game 7 between the Thunder and Pacers proved to be a major draw, with over 19 million viewers tuning in during the peak hour of the broadcast. This marked one of the strongest single-hour performances for any program since early May and underscored the excitement surrounding the climactic finish of the NBA season. The spike in viewership is particularly significant given that it occurred during prime time, a key window for advertisers and networks alike. The performance also reflects growing anticipation around the Thunder’s rise as a powerhouse franchise and the Pacers’ underdog journey through the playoffs.
This surge in live viewership was driven by a combination of factors, including effective promotional campaigns, rising star power within both teams, and a tightly contested series leading up to the decisive Game 7. The matchup captured attention across multiple demographics, especially among younger audiences who consumed content across both traditional TV and digital streaming platforms like ESPN+. The fact that this game reached nearly 19.3 million viewers during its peak moment demonstrates the enduring appeal of high-stakes basketball and the ability of marquee matchups to draw large audiences even in an era of fragmented media consumption. Additionally, the success of this broadcast suggests a potential rebound for sports programming, which has faced stiff competition from on-demand content in recent years.
Series Ratings Show Mixed Performance Amid Broader Growth Trends
While the final game of the NBA Finals delivered impressive numbers, the overall seven-game series averaged fewer viewers than the previous year’s Finals, where the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games. The 2025 series averaged 10.27 million viewers per game, slightly below the 11.31 million average from the prior year. However, when considering the broader playoff picture, ESPN and ABC saw a 10% increase in viewership across their 34 playoff broadcasts compared to 2024, signaling positive momentum for the league's postseason coverage despite fluctuations in Finals performance.
The decline in series average viewership can be attributed to several variables, including scheduling conflicts, regional fanbase distribution, and the length of the series itself. While longer series typically offer more opportunities for sustained fan engagement, they may also lead to viewer fatigue if earlier games fail to maintain competitive balance or narrative intrigue. In contrast, last year’s shorter Celtics-Mavericks matchup benefited from widespread fan interest and a compelling storyline centered around emerging stars and legacy-defining moments. Nonetheless, the increased playoff viewership indicates that the NBA continues to strengthen its position in the sports broadcasting landscape, with growing support from streaming services and international audiences playing a crucial role in expanding the league’s reach and relevance.