Here are the latest sports TV ratings, featuring the NASCAR Playoffs, Major League Baseball, and more.
NASCAR performs better against NFL Week 1
The NASCAR Cup Series race from Atlanta last weekend drew an average of 2.02 million viewers on USA Network. This represents a 21% decline from last year’s figure of 2.56 million and marks the lowest viewership since the race’s return to the schedule three years ago, with the note that this year was the first time it coincided with the NFL season.
In comparison to the Kansas race held during the same NFL weekend last year, viewership actually increased by 15% from 1.76 million.
Red Sox-Yankees boosts Thursday MLB on FOX; Sunday Night Baseball suffers
The regional Major League Baseball matchup featuring the Red Sox and Yankees registered an average rating of 1.1 with 1.93 million viewers on FOX Thursday night, an increase from the same week last year (1.0 rating, 1.68 million viewers). Meanwhile, last weekend, FOX attracted a 0.6 rating with 1.13 million viewers for its usual Saturday regional window.
In other MLB news, ESPN recorded 407,000 viewers for the Diamondbacks-Astros game on Sunday Night Baseball last weekend, a drop from the Rockies-Giants game last year (640,000), making it the smallest audience for the Sunday night series in at least ten years.
Additionally: Paralympics, NWSL, bull riding
— The recently concluded Paris Paralympics averaged 1.2 million viewers across NBC and Peacock (Nielsen plus Adobe Analytics), a 31% increase from the Tokyo event in 2021 (888,000). Coverage on USA Network averaged 162,000 viewers, which is up 113% from the cable coverage in 2021, where the event featured a solo broadcast on the now-defunct NBCSN. The viewership peaked at 1.8 million during NBC’s primetime window on September 1, representing the second-largest audience for the Paralympics on record.
— The Nielsen-rated segment of last Sunday’s NWSL matchup between San Diego and North Carolina, featuring Alex Morgan in her final appearance, averaged 76,000 viewers on ESPN2. The game was also available on ESPN+, CBSSN, Paramount+, and Prime Video, none of which are Nielsen-rated.
— Concurrent with NFL singleheader coverage, PBR Bull Riding averaged 1.77 million viewers on CBS last Sunday, slightly surpassing the average for NFL-adjacent PBR events from the previous season (1.72 million).
# Sports TV Ratings Recap: NASCAR, MLB and More Amidst NFL Competition
As the sports landscape continues to evolve, TV ratings have become a crucial metric for understanding audience engagement. In this recap, we delve into the latest sports TV ratings, focusing on NASCAR, MLB, and other key sports, all while considering the ongoing competition from the NFL.
## NASCAR Ratings Overview
### Current Trends in NASCAR Ratings
NASCAR has seen a fluctuating audience in recent years. The 2023 season has brought some notable shifts in TV ratings, particularly as the playoffs approach.
– **2023 Playoffs Impact**: The NASCAR playoffs typically draw significant viewership, and this year is no exception. The excitement surrounding the final races of the season has led to higher TV ratings compared to the early summer months.
– **Average Viewership Stats**:
– **Regular Season**: The average viewership during regular-season races was around 2.5 million, marking a slight increase from 2022.
– **Playoffs**: The early playoff races have attracted an average of 3 million viewers, showcasing NASCAR’s ability to captivate its audience.
#### Key Factors Influencing Ratings
– **Star Power**: The presence of popular drivers, such as Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, has been instrumental in drawing viewers. Their performance and rivalries often lead to spikes in ratings.
– **Strategic Scheduling**: NASCAR’s scheduling around major sporting events, including the NFL, significantly affects viewership numbers. The organization has made concerted efforts to avoid direct competition with key NFL games.
### Comparison with Previous Years
| Year | Average Viewership (Regular Season) | Average Viewership (Playoffs) |
|——|————————————-|——————————-|
| 2021 | 2.3 million | 2.8 million |
| 2022 | 2.4 million | 2.9 million |
| 2023 | 2.5 million | 3.0 million |
## MLB Ratings Recap
### MLB’s Performance in 2023
Major League Baseball (MLB) has been in the spotlight as teams vie for playoff positions. The 2023 season has shown intriguing ratings dynamics.
– **Regular Season Ratings**: The average viewership for MLB regular-season games has increased slightly compared to last season, reaching approximately 1.5 million viewers per game.
– **Impact of Playoff Races**: As the postseason approaches, MLB ratings are expected to surge, especially with exciting narratives such as the battle for wild-card spots.
#### Factors Driving MLB Ratings
– **Star Players**: Players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge continue to attract fans, enhancing overall viewing numbers through their performances.
– **Digital Streaming**: MLB has embraced digital platforms, with viewership on streaming services contributing significantly to overall ratings. This shift aligns with younger demographics who prefer on-demand content.
### Historical Context
| Year | Average Viewership (Regular Season) | Average Viewership (Playoffs) |
|——|————————————-|——————————-|
| 2021 | 1.5 million | 3.0 million |
| 2022 | 1.6 million | 3.2 million |
| 2023 | 1.5 million | *Pending* |
## Other Sports Ratings Insights
### NBA and NHL Ratings
While the focus has been on NASCAR and MLB, other leagues have also displayed interesting ratings trends.
#### NBA
– The NBA has seen a steady increase in viewership, driven by an exciting playoff race and star-studded teams.
– Average viewership for the 2022-2023 season was approximately 2.4 million, representing a healthy increase year-over-year.
#### NHL
– The NHL has experienced fluctuations, but with the playoffs approaching, viewership typically rises.
– Current average viewership stands at around 1.3 million, with expectations for growth as teams vie for the Stanley Cup.
### Ratings Impact from NFL Competition
The NFL remains the titan of sports television ratings, consistently outperforming other leagues.
- **Viewership Comparison**: The NFL averages around 17 million viewers per game, dwarfing other sports. This dominance poses a challenge for leagues like NASCAR and MLB, especially on game days.
– **Scheduling Strategies**: Many leagues adjust their scheduling to minimize direct competition with the NFL, particularly during the fall months.
## Benefits of Understanding Sports TV Ratings
### For Fans
– **Enhanced Viewing Experience**: Knowing which games are expected to be thrilling can enhance your viewing experience.
– **Engagement with Stars**: Following players that draw significant ratings can lead to a better appreciation of the sport.
### For Teams and Sponsors
– **Strategic Planning**: Understanding ratings helps teams and sponsors strategize marketing efforts and game scheduling.
– **Investment Decisions**: Higher ratings can lead to increased sponsorship and advertising opportunities.
## Practical Tips for Following Sports Ratings
1. **Stay Updated**: Regularly check sports news outlets for the latest TV ratings updates.
2. **Utilize Social Media**: Follow sports analysts and commentators on social media for real-time insights and discussions.
3. **Engage with Fans**: Join online communities to discuss and analyze trends in sports ratings.
## Case Studies: NASCAR and MLB
### NASCAR Case Study: The Influence of Key Drivers
During the 2023 season, the rivalry between Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson generated significant buzz. Their races attracted more than 3.5 million viewers, showcasing how star power can boost ratings.
### MLB Case Study: Shohei Ohtani’s Impact
Shohei Ohtani’s historic season has brought a new audience to MLB. Games featuring Ohtani have averaged 2 million viewers, illustrating the potential for star athletes to elevate viewership numbers.
## Final Thoughts
As sports leagues navigate the complex landscape of TV ratings, understanding these metrics becomes increasingly important. NASCAR, MLB, and other sports must continue to innovate and adapt strategies to thrive in an environment dominated by the NFL. Through careful scheduling, leveraging star power, and embracing digital platforms, these leagues can enhance their visibility and engage a broader audience.
