The 2021 NBA All-Star Game received heavy criticism from the public, including NBA stars like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, among others. However, TV ratings have proven that the midseason festivity was still able to receive a good amount of viewership amid the pandemic.
While the overall ratings for the event came in at record lows, there was good performance in some key demos:
Nielsen: NBA All-Star game was most-viewed program among people 18-34, TNT was most-viewed network in primetime on Sunday among those under 49 (TNT: 2.84M – CBS: 2.55M), and the game had a larger audience under 45 (3.26M) than the Harry/Meghan interview with Oprah on CBS (3.01M).
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 9, 2021
According to Nielsen, the NBA All-Star Game was a hit among people aged 18-34, and TNT turned out to be the most-viewed network in primetime on Sunday under 49.
In addition, the event also garnered a larger audience under 45 (3.26 million) compared to the controversial Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interview with Oprah Winfrey on CBS, which amassed an audience of 3.01 million.
Gerald Bourguet further claimed that the numbers serve as proof that the public remains interested in the NBA All-Star Game even amid all the chatter about not having it:
I'm definitely not saying the NBA is right for pushing forward during a pandemic. But this is a reminder of how NBA Twitter can be an echo chamber with the "All-Star Game sucks" or "No one cares about the All-Star Game" arguments https://t.co/a5AnKDU6nf
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 9, 2021
Hosting the event wasn't an easy task for the league, especially regarding logistical concerns. All the individuals involved were exposing themselves to people who came from different areas, which further increased the risk for the spread of COVID-19.
In fact, both Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers were ruled out of the NBA All-Star Game after coming into contact with a barber who tested positive for the virus, though that happened before flying to Atlanta.
Even with the risks involved, the league and its organizers should still be commended as they were able to successfully hold a one-day event that didn't result in a massive COVID-19 outbreak. In return, the amount of viewership turned out to be beneficial for the league as it attempts to recover from the financial losses incurred due to the pandemic.
Follow Us
Subscribe