Adam Silver, the Commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA), expressed his enthusiasm for the league’s recent viewership surge during a statement made on April 22, 2025, at 12:47 PM ET in Nashville, Tennessee. He highlighted the excitement of transitioning to a digital world and the new opportunities it presents for reaching fans in various ways.
Before the NBA made the ratings official, Silver teased a great tidbit. The television ratings during the opening weekend of the playoffs were the highest the league has experienced in almost 25 years. The NBA’s announcement comes as the league has experienced record growth in viewership and ratings with Silver at the helm.
The league touted the fact that the eight playoff games played over the weekend averaged an eye-popping 4.4 million viewers. This average is the best opening weekend in 25 years. It’s not just up from season over season, it’s up from last season’s playoff opener by 17%.
Silver’s remarks underscore his commitment to enhancing fan engagement and expanding the league’s reach. The increase in viewership is a testament to the success of his strategies aimed at modernizing the NBA’s approach to broadcasting and fan interaction.
The Associated Press picked up on Silver’s advice. During his tenure, they explained, the NBA has managed to restore relevance to their core and bring in new eyeballs. The remarkable ratings indicate a growing interest in the league, which has continually adapted to changing viewer preferences and technological advancements.
The NBA’s recent ratings achievement not only showcases fan loyalty but reflects Silver’s vision for leveraging digital platforms to connect with a broader audience. As the playoffs continue, the league can be encouraged by the prospect of continuing this brand new upward trend in viewership.
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