Image Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Pacers Game 3 Win Lifts NBA Finals From Record Lows, Viewership Spikes Towards New Highs

After record-low NBA Finals viewership in Games 1 and 2, the Pacers’ Game 3 performance finally delivered

Image Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The 2025 NBA Finals faced sharp criticism after Games 1 and 2 drew the lowest viewership numbers in decades. The first matchup between the Pacers and the Thunder was the lowest Finals opener in terms of viewership since 1988.

Even the second game registered the lowest viewership for a NBA Finals Game 2 since 2007. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver urged fans to support the Finals despite the small-market matchup between Indiana and Oklahoma City. The absence of legacy teams has clearly impacted the Finals’ mass appeal.

NBA Finals Game 2 averaged 8.76M viewers.

It’s the lowest Game 2 since the 2020 bubble — and the only Finals since 2007 where viewership dropped after Game 1.

(via Sports Media Watch) pic.twitter.com/PWdNdQ9ZfZ
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 10, 2025

However, a silver lining has emerged for the NBA after the third game. Amid disappointment over ratings, Game 3 finally attracted a strong audience. In fact, the numbers were record-breaking.

The Wednesday night game peaked with 11.54 million viewers at 11PM EST. Though, the game lacked any thrilling moments as the Pacers managed to cruise past the Thunder without much difficulty. In total, the 2025 NBA Finals have so far drawn 1.5 billion views globally. Apart from TV and live streaming, this data includes social media platforms as well.

The first 3 games of the Finals have also been the most-watched programs on TV since the first week of May. Despite early setbacks, the NBA product is regaining momentum both at home and globally.

NBA Heads Abroad Amid Viewership Slump

With domestic viewership uncertainty, the NBA has decided to take it’s games on foreign soil. This has been carried out to drive global viewership and create a new wave of fandom outside the U.S.

The Dallas Mavericks will be taking on the Detroit Pistons on November 1st, 2025 in Mexico City. The game will be played at the Arena CDMX coinciding with the traditional “Día de Muertos” (Day of the Dead) celebrations. Many more overseas games for the next campaign are expected to be announced as the off season progresses.