ESPN's most-watched NBA regular season in seven years

Double digit growth year over year

ESPN networks have carried the top four most-viewed games this season according to Nielsen

Substantial viewership across ESPN NBA studio programming, including Inside the NBA, NBA Tip-Off, NBA Countdown and NBA Today

ESPN has delivered its most watched NBA regular season on ABC & ESPN since the 2018 19 season, according to Nielsen. Through 80 telecasts, the 2025 26 NBA Regular Season on ABC & ESPN averaged 1.9 million viewers, up 11 percent from last season (1.7M viewers).

Overall, ESPN networks carried the top four most viewed NBA games of the 2025 26 regular season, according to Nielsen.

Studio coverage

ESPN also generated substantial viewership across its NBA studio programming this season. Inside the NBA averaged 1.3 million viewers, while NBA Tip Off averaged 821,000 viewers and NBA Countdown averaged 609,000 viewers, according to Nielsen.

All of ESPN. All in One Place.

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited subscription, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able shortform vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package from certain providers. Bundling options available for fans include a Disney+, Hulu, ESPN offering that provides a one-of-a-kind streaming package combining sports with branded and general entertainment. For more visit stream.espn.com.

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