Image Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

NBA Viewership Surges in 15 Years, Broadcasters Average Most Views in First Two Weeks Despite LeBron James’ Absence

The national broadcasters for the NBA have averaged more viewers than in 15 years.

Image Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The NBA 2025-26 season got off to a solid start, and garnered the most viewership numbers since 2010. In the first two weeks, the national broadcasters for the NBA have averaged more viewers than in 15 years. According to a recent announcement by the league, the national games are averaging the most viewers in more than a one-and-a-half decade, with viewership reaching up 92% year-by-year. What is the most remarkable point about the boom is the absence of one of the icons, LeBron James.

National NBA games are averaging the most viewers in 15 years through the first two weeks of the season, up 92% year-over-year.

(Excludes 2011-12 season, which began on Christmas Day.) pic.twitter.com/y0xL43ptZu
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 7, 2025

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar is yet to suit up for the ongoing season. James, who has been a face of the league for over two decades, is currently dealing with a sciatica. He is expected to make his season debut this month. However, even after his absence, fans’ interest hasn’t dipped, unlike previous seasons, where even marquee matches would have lesser viewers in case James was absent from the games.

How has NBA Managed to Improve Viewership in a Year ?

According to claims by critics, the league’s ratings and viewers were slipping a year ago due to multiple reasons including player rest, late tip-offs, and cord-cutting. However, this year, the league came up with better strategies including a refreshed broadcast schedule, improved accessibility and an increase in the number of young stars in the league. The league has also come up with a ‘Tap to Watch’ initiative, which makes it easy for fans to find and watch live games.

It directs fans to live NBA games from league, team and multiple third-party apps, including national games on ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. It also gives access to game telecasts through national and local media partners as well as social media giants including Google, Meta, X, and more. Another factor that has significantly improved viewership is scheduling. Unlike previous seasons, the games are now evenly spread across different days and platforms to reduce overlap.

Considering the fact that the league is seeing a surge indicates towards the fact that fans are moving on from players like LeBron James, who are anyway, approaching their retirement. Instead of them, young stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and others have caught hold of their attention, boosting engagement among them.

NBA 2025-26

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.