In an exhilarating conclusion to the 2025 NBA Finals, Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers captured the attention of basketball fans across the nation. This thrilling matchup was the most-watched NBA Finals game in six years, averaging a remarkable 16.4 million viewers on ABC. The excitement peaked at 9:45 p.m. ET, drawing in an impressive 19.3 million viewers.
The seven-game series culminated in the Thunder clinching their first NBA title, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. Throughout the series, the games consistently ranked among the most-watched primetime television programs, with this finals series accounting for the seven highest-rated broadcasts over the past two months. Fans were treated to a display of skill and competitiveness that kept them glued to their screens.
The full 2025 NBA postseason, which includes both the Playoffs and Finals, showcased an average of 6.12 million viewers per game, reflecting a notable increase of 10% compared to last year. This surge in viewership highlights the growing popularity of the NBA and the increasing engagement from fans across the country.
In addition to traditional television viewership, the NBA Finals generated a staggering 5 billion views across all social media platforms. This figure represents a remarkable 215% increase from the previous year, indicating that fans are not only watching games but also actively engaging with content related to the league online. The NBA's strong social media presence has played a crucial role in enhancing fan interaction and expanding its audience.
As the NBA continues to evolve, these record viewership numbers signal a bright future for the league, with increasing fan engagement both on and off the court.