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- October 12, 202619°
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- October 12, 202619°
Game 3 of Spurs-Knicks Series Sets 28-Year Viewership Record
The game became the most-watched final match in the last 28 years with an average of 23.8 million viewers. The intense series between the Spurs and Knicks signaled a renewed excitement for the finals in the league.
The third game of the 2026 NBA Finals recorded the highest viewership for a final match in the last 28 years. An average of 23.8 million people watched the game on ABC and ESPN platforms, with peak viewership reaching 26.3 million.
The series between the Spurs and Knicks has become one of the most notable sports stories of the season, alongside its impressive viewership numbers. The match marked the highest final audience since the 1998 finals between the Bulls and Jazz.
Viewership Increase Reflects in the Finals Series
This figure represents a significant rise compared to recent final broadcasts. The viewership for the first game increased by 90% compared to the 2025 finals opener.
The total point difference in the first three games of the series was only 15 points. These close scores kept the matches competitive until the final moments and maintained strong national interest.
Wembanyama and Brunson Stand Out
The rising interest in the series was also driven by the performances of Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson. Wembanyama’s global recognition and Brunson’s rise in New York brought the series to the attention of not only NBA fans but a broader audience.
U.S. President Donald Trump also attended the third game, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president watched an NBA Finals game in person.
The league management has strongly capitalized on the interest in this matchup from the start. Close games and moments extending to the final seconds made the finals series one of the most talked-about sports events of the season.
The 1998 comparison holds symbolic significance for the NBA. That year’s finals between the Bulls and Jazz is remembered as part of Michael Jordan’s final championship run with Chicago.
If the balance in the series continues, viewership numbers are expected to rise even further. The battle between the Spurs and Knicks has successfully brought the excitement of the finals back to a wide audience.
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