People look at sporting event such as the Super Bowl, World Series, College Football Playoff, and The Masters as significant.
Do not downplay the value of the NBA Playoffs.
TOP NEWS
The postseason for the league, which started on April 15 with the Play-In Tournament, brought in record-breaking numbers in ratings for the first time in 25 years. Opening weekend for round one of the playoffs saw 4.4 million viewers, an increase of 17 percent versus last year. People are loving the star power and compelling matchups that includes LeBron James versus Anthony Edwards, Kawhi Leonard versus Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander versus Ja Morant, and many more. The Western Conference is stacked, but the east has ballers as well. Round one has produced incredible moments and more will come.
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. pic.twitter.com/CFNuAYJqYq
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 22, 2025
The game has evolved, but today’s stars have the product in good hands.
Pro basketball matter again, and these ratings show it.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.

















































































