Basketball, both in the NBA and college, dominated the sports ratings on Saturday, attracting a large number of viewers. The NBA game between the Celtics and Knicks on ABC was the most-watched sports event of the day, while college basketball games also drew in substantial audiences. Other sports such as NASCAR, golf, hockey, and soccer also had successful ratings.

Basketball Dominates Sports Ratings: NBA and College Basketball Take the Spotlight

Basketball, both in the NBA and college, dominated the sports ratings on Saturday, attracting a large number of viewers. The NBA game between the Celtics and Knicks on ABC was the most-watched sports event of the day, while college basketball games also drew in substantial audiences. Other sports such as NASCAR, golf, hockey, and soccer also had successful ratings.

( Credit to: Sportsmediawatch )

NBA Game: Celtics vs. Knicks

The NBA regular season game between the Celtics and Knicks, which aired on ABC, averaged a 1.3 rating and 2.22 million viewers. Although this was a slight decrease from last year’s Celtics-Sixers game, it still attracted the largest sports audience of the day.

The game showcased the talent and intensity of two storied franchises, with viewers tuning in to see the iconic rivalry unfold on the court. The Celtics and Knicks delivered an exciting matchup that captivated basketball fans across the nation.

Despite the slight dip in ratings, the Celtics vs. Knicks game on ABC remained a must-watch event, solidifying basketball’s dominance in the sports ratings on Saturday.

College Basketball Showdowns

College basketball also drew in a significant number of viewers, with thrilling matchups captivating fans across the country. The game between Alabama and Kentucky on CBS received a 1.0 rating and 1.82 million viewers, on par with last year’s Auburn-Kentucky game in terms of ratings but with a 4% increase in viewership.

CBS also saw success with the Houston-Baylor game, which garnered a 0.8 rating and 1.30 million viewers, up over 40% from the UConn-St. John’s game last year. The Washington-Arizona game on CBS received a 0.6 rating and 1.03 million viewers, showing a slight decrease from last year.

These college basketball showdowns showcased the fierce competition and passion of the sport, drawing in fans with their high-stakes matchups and thrilling moments. The ratings for these games highlight the enduring popularity of college basketball among sports enthusiasts.

ESPN’s Basketball Action

ESPN also had a lineup of basketball games on Saturday, captivating viewers with intense matchups and exciting gameplay. The game between North Carolina and Virginia led the way with a 0.8 rating and 1.47 million viewers, consistent with last year’s ratings but with a 2% decrease in viewership.

However, the Duke-Wake Forest game on ESPN saw a 23% increase in ratings and an 18% increase in viewership compared to the previous year, showcasing the popularity of this rivalry and the talent on display.

While some of ESPN’s other games experienced a decline in viewership, the network’s basketball coverage continued to engage fans with its comprehensive analysis and captivating matchups.

Other Sports Highlights

While basketball dominated the sports ratings on Saturday, other sports also had notable moments. FS1’s NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Atlanta received a 0.7 rating and 1.19 million viewers, showcasing the excitement and thrill of high-speed competition.

NBC’s coverage of the PGA Tour Mexico Open garnered a 0.7 rating and 1.07 million viewers, allowing golf enthusiasts to witness top players in action.

ABC’s NHL doubleheader featured the Rangers-Flyers game with a 0.51 rating and 957,000 viewers, and the Blues-Red Wings game with a 0.46 rating and 779,000 viewers, providing hockey fans with intense on-ice battles.

In soccer, Liga MX on Univision received a 0.39 rating and 972,000 viewers, while the Premier League game between Manchester City and Bournemouth on NBC and Universo received a 0.48 rating and 796,000 viewers, showcasing the global appeal of the sport.

FOX’s Major League Soccer season opener, featuring LAFC-Sounders, received a 0.18 rating and 284,000 viewers, allowing fans to witness the start of another exciting season.

Lastly, BTN aired the second half of the Big Ten ‘Big Five’ women’s college gymnastics meet, which received a 0.07 rating and 127,000 viewers, demonstrating the diversity of sports offerings on television.

Overall, Saturday’s sports ratings highlighted the enduring popularity of basketball, both in the NBA and college, while also showcasing the excitement and appeal of other sports to a dedicated fanbase.