The 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs has become one of the most-watched championship matchups in league history, according to viewership data distributed by ESPN.
ABC’s broadcast of Game 4 delivered an average audience of 20.9 million viewers, making it the most-watched NBA Finals Game 4 since 1998. The game also stands as the most-watched NBA Finals Game 4 ever broadcast on ABC.
The audience peaked at 23.2 million viewers at 11:15 p.m. ET as fans across the country tuned in to watch the latest chapter in a series that has combined the star power of Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama with the allure of two historic franchises competing on basketball’s biggest stage.
The ratings represent a staggering 123 percent increase compared to Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, highlighting the significant interest surrounding this year’s championship matchup.
Best Finals Ratings Since Jordan Era
Through four games, the series is averaging 19.6 million viewers, making it the most-watched NBA Finals since 1998. It is also the highest-rated NBA Finals through four games in the history of ABC and ESPN’s coverage of the league.
The 1998 NBA Finals, featuring Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls against the Utah Jazz, has long served as the benchmark for television audiences in professional basketball. For the 2026 Finals to reach numbers not seen since that era underscores the magnitude of the current series.
The increase is equally impressive when compared to last year’s championship matchup. Through four games, viewership is up 116 percent over the 2025 NBA Finals.
Knicks Chasing History
Much of the national interest has centered on the Knicks’ pursuit of their first NBA championship since 1973. The franchise has endured more than five decades of near misses, rebuilding efforts, and heartbreak, making this Finals run one of the biggest stories in sports.
The energy surrounding basketball in New York has been evident throughout the postseason, with sold-out crowds at Madison Square Garden and widespread attention across national media platforms.
Meanwhile, the Spurs are attempting to add another championship to their storied legacy while ushering in a new era led by Wembanyama, whose emergence as one of the NBA’s brightest stars has helped elevate interest in the series.
Dominating Television
According to ESPN, Game 4 was the most-watched program across all of television on June 10 and led all key male and adult demographic categories.
The strong performance continues a trend that has seen the NBA enjoy significant postseason momentum throughout the 2026 playoffs, culminating in a Finals matchup that has resonated with both longtime fans and casual viewers.
Game 5 Looms Large
Attention now shifts to Game 5 on Saturday night, where the Knicks have an opportunity to clinch their first championship in 53 years. ABC and ESPN will carry the potential series-clinching contest beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET.
If the ratings trajectory continues, Game 5 could challenge some of the highest Finals viewership figures of the modern era as basketball fans tune in to see whether New York can finally end its championship drought or if San Antonio can extend the series and keep its title hopes alive.
For the NBA, the ratings provide further evidence that compelling storylines, superstar talent, and historic stakes remain a powerful combination. Through four games, the 2026 NBA Finals has delivered all three, producing the league’s strongest championship audience in nearly three decades.
Featured Articles
Featured Writers
