The Indiana Pacers’ 111-110 comeback win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals drew an average audience of 8.91 million viewers, which was down 19 percent from Game 1 of the 2024 Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. The viewership was the NBA’s lowest for a non-COVID Finals Game 1 since 9.21 million viewers tuned in for 2007 San Antonio Spurs-Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Thunder entered the series as heavy favorites, so it remains to be seen whether Indiana’s thrilling comeback will give ABC an increase for Game 2. A competitive series typically has an increase in viewership as it progresses.
By comparison, Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Pacers and New York Knicks drew 8.12 million viewers.
ABC is closing in on a sellout of its ad inventory for Games 2-5. If the series reaches six games, the network should generate above $265 million in paid airtime.