NBC Sports saw a 72% increase in viewership for the 2026 NBA playoffs compared to the same coverage in 2025, averaging 7.2 million viewers per game. The network’s coverage of the San Antonio Spurs versus Oklahoma City Thunder Conference Finals led the way, drawing the most-watched Conference Finals in 24 years.
The Spurs- Thunder series averaged 10.8 million viewers across NBC and the Peacock streaming platform. This marked a significant milestone for the network and for the NBA, as it was the first time since 1997 that a Conference Finals series reached the 10 million viewership threshold.
Game 7 of the series drew 15.9 million viewers, the highest number for a Conference Finals game since 2016. This figure highlights the growing popularity of the NBA playoffs and the appeal of competitive matchups like the Spurs-Thunder series.
NBC had nine of the top 10 most-watched playoff games of the 2026 postseason. The surge in viewership came despite the increasing competition from streaming platforms and the shift in media consumption habits.
The playoffs as a whole saw a strong performance across both traditional and digital platforms. Peacock reported a 45% increase in live viewership for playoff games compared to the previous year, indicating a growing audience for NBA content.
The success of the Spurs and Thunder in the playoffs also translated to strong social media engagement. The series generated over 12 million social media mentions, with key moments like DeMar DeRozan’s Game 6 triple-double and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game 7 buzzer-beater making headlines.
With the NBA Finals set to begin next week, the league and NBC are preparing for even higher ratings. The Finals will be broadcast on NBC and streamed live on Peacock, with a special pregame show hosted by Mike Tirico and Doris Burke.
The Warriors are currently favored to win the title, but the momentum from the Spurs-Thunder series has energized basketball fans across the country. The first game of the NBA Finals is scheduled for June 12.
The NHL’s ongoing investigation into Mike Babcock’s time with the Columbus Blue Jackets may uncover a major issue that goes well beyond the phone-related controversy that led to his 2023 resignation. According to insider Frank Seravalli, new information suggests the situation that forced Babcock to
just now
Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has asked Dylan Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, to expand the winger’s original trade list from three teams to a more flexible number. According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the Red Wings believe Larkin should accommodate the request as they work to f
just now
The Baltimore Orioles have signed veteran catcher Chadwick Tromp to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Norfolk. Tromp becomes the latest addition to a catching corps currently dealing with injuries, providing insurance for the team’s depth. The 31-year-old joins the club after bein
just now
The Detroit Tigers have acquired right-handed pitcher Jacob Waguespack from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The deal was first reported by Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. Waguespack signed with the Brewers on a minor league contract last mo
just now