The National Basketball Association (NBA) has recorded its highest-ever viewership for a regular-season game, as the San Antonio Spurs' double-overtime victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-115, drew massive audiences.
Historic Viewership Numbers
According to data from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics, the game averaged 9.2 million viewers across NBC and Peacock. This surpasses previous records and highlights the growing popularity of the league.
Peak Audience During Second Overtime
Viewership surged to 12 million during the second overtime period, as fans were captivated by the intense battle. The game featured a standout performance from Spurs' star Victor Wembanyama, who recorded 41 points and 24 rebounds, leading his team to a thrilling win.
The previous viewership record was held by a 2023 Christmas Day game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, which averaged 8.8 million viewers. The new record underscores the impact of young talents like Wembanyama and the enduring appeal of high-stakes matchups.
This milestone also reflects the success of the NBA's partnership with NBC and its streaming platform Peacock, which have expanded access to live games. The league continues to innovate in broadcasting to engage a global audience.
