ESPN so far is seeing an 18% increase in viewership for Duke games compared to the same time last yearGETTY IMAGES
The hype around Duke’s heralded freshman class is paying dividends for ESPN, as the net is seeing increased interest around the Blue Devils so far this men’s basketball season. ESPN is seeing an 18% increase in viewership for Duke hoops games compared to the same time last season. Additionally, the top five college games to air on ESPN to date have all involved Duke, with the season-opening Champions Classic matchup against Kentucky leading the way. The Blue Devils traditionally are one of the top TV draws for networks, though this year's gains likely have been aided by the presence of freshman F Zion Williamson, who has become a staple of nightly highlight shows and is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the ’19 NBA Draft. Additionally, ESPN+ this season is streaming an eight-episode, all-access series on the Duke hoops program called “Earn Everything.” The viewership numbers figure to continue on an upward trajectory as the season progresses -- Duke plays undefeated Virginia Saturday on ESPN in a battle of the top two teams in the Coaches Poll, while both of the Blue Devils’ regular-season games with North Carolina are still to come. Overall, men’s college basketball TV viewership across ESPN/ESPN2 is up 5% to date, while women’s hoops games on ESPN alone are up 2%. ESPN also has aired the top 36 college hoops games on cable TV this season to date.
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ESPN's TOP DUKE HOOPS GAMES FOR '18-19 SEASON (THROUGH JAN. 14)
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DATE
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OPPONENT
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VIEWERS (000)
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11/6/18
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Kentucky
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2,849
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11/21/18
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Gonzaga
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2,365
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1/12/19
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Florida State
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2,275
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11/20/18
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Auburn
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2,167
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1/14/19
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Syracuse
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2,116
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