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NBA Makes Ratings Announcement Following Opening Weekend of Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kade R. Kimble | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 12:22 PM ET

The opening weekend of the NBA playoffs saw mixed results in terms of fans enjoying the contests played.

There was a blend of close, fun matchups and blowout games that didn't see much of a fight put up late in the respective contests.

Evidently, the blowouts -- which many point toward 3-point shooting for this reason -- are one major complaint made by fans regarding the current state of the NBA.

This comes as NBA commissioner Adam Silver reported that the league's ratings were down this season compared to years past.

While there is a constant debate regarding ratings and what the league can do to help the matter, it's hard to deny that there is a heavy amount of eyeballs and intrigue on this year's playoffs.

A recent announcement from the NBA proves exactly what was assumed. Fans are enjoying the playoffs this year, regardless of what complaints might be seen on social media, with the ratings being up for postseason basketball this year.

As a matter of fact, the NBA's playoff ratings aren't just up this season. They are at their best point in 25 years.

"The 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google delivered its most-watched opening weekend in 25 years, averaging 4.4M viewers, up 17% vs. last year," the NBA announced.

With the best results in 25 years with a 17% increase from last year, the league is seemingly in a healthy spot in terms of having meaningful basketball.

Sure, suggestions can be thrown around to add more intrigue to the regular season, but the playoffs are a true litmus test as to how fans care about the playoffs.

The opening weekend was a hit, and it'll be interesting to see if that sentiment holds throughout the rest of the postseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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