TNT/TBS See Gains For NBA All-Star Game Under New Format

TNT and TBS averaged 7.3 million viewers for the NBA All-Star Game yesterday from Chicago, up 8% from 6.8 million last year in Charlotte. Two years ago, the networks averaged 7.7 million viewers for the game from L.A. This year’s game won the night among all cable TV networks. The peak for last night’s game was 8.0 million viewers during the final 15 minutes (11:15-11:30pm ET) in the first-ever commercial free fourth quarter, which also was played under a new format. Pregame coverage from 8:00-8:30pm, which included a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, averaged 6.3 million viewers, up 19%.

The uptick last night means each All-Star Weekend telecast saw a year-over year viewership gain, including All-Star Saturday Night (+1% on TNT), Rising Stars on Friday (+1% on TNT) and the Celebrity Game on Friday (+9% on ESPN).