The 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs averaged 20.6 million viewers, setting a record for ABC and ESPN and marking the highest viewership since 1998. Game 5 attracted 24.5 million viewers, peaking at 33 million, making it the most-watched Game 5 in 25 years. The series doubled last year’s viewership, leading all major demographics nightly. Jalen Brunson was named Finals MVP, securing the Knicks’ first championship in over 50 years.
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2026 NBA Finals Achieves Highest Viewership Since 1998 Viewership Up 100% Compared to 2025 Finals
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