Knicks’ Victory Caps Most Watched NBA Finals Since 1998
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nba-finals-2026-tv-ratings-best-since-1998-1236622090/
Saturday’s deciding fifth game averaged 24.5 million viewers on ABC and ESPN, the third game in a row to draw more than 20 million.
The last time the finals drew 20 million-plus viewers over three consecutive contests was in 2016, for the final three games of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ comeback victory over the Golden State Warriors.
The telecast was also the most watched game five since the 1998 NBA Finals, which marked Michael Jordan’s last championship with the Chicago Bulls.