The NBA All-Star Game recently made a moderate comeback with a 14% increase in viewership according to data released by the NBA.
NBA All-Star Game viewership increases by 14% https://t.co/CmpoeU4PLo pic.twitter.com/FVbjiqmhbm
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 20, 2024
The game averaged 5.5 million viewers across TNT, TBS, truTV, and Max, marking an uptick from 2023’s numbers.
However, the game was still the second-least-watched ever, ahead of just last year’s game. This trend isn’t unique to NBA, as both the NFL and NHL also reported decreases in viewers for their All-Star Games earlier this year.
The Pro Bowl Games pulled in an average of 5.793 million viewers across ABC, ESPN, Disney XD, and ESPN Deportes, setting a record for the least-watched non-virtual Pro Bowl.
11.6 million unique viewers watched the 2024 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday across TNT, TBS, truTV and B/R Sports on Max, up 20% vs. last year. The game averaged 5.5 million viewers, up 14% vs. last year. pic.twitter.com/AM6i5uq9aZ
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 20, 2024
On the other hand, the NHL All-Star Game landed just 1.40 million viewers, marking the second-least-watched edition on record.
All-Star Games, across sports, are seemingly losing their lustre. Once coveted for offering fans unique opportunities to watch out-of-market players, that lure has diminished due to increased viewer access.
Further, as All-Star games have gradually transformed into mere exhibitions, with stars increasingly refraining from participating to avoid injuries, interest in these games has understandably flagged.
The NBA, along with all the major leagues, is grappling with falling viewership, causing for a discourse around “fixing” these games.
However, the challenges faced are not unique to NBA but rather all athletic association games. Many suggestions for revolutionary fixes have been put forth, yet the objective of restoring the games to their glory days seems elusive.
There remains a void of viewership data for the other NBA All-Star Weekend events including, the All-Star Celebrity Game, the Rising Stars game, and All-Star Saturday.
It will be interesting to compare these numbers with the more formal games, as these events provide another avenue for fans to enjoy the sport.
