Recently there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the ratings between the NBA and NFL. Ever since the start of the season, people have been debating over which league has the highest viewing figures. One thing is for sure – watching sports can be an adrenaline rush.
Even though some fans swear their loyalty to either the NBA or NFL, a lot of us are just as interested in both sports. To try and break down which is more popular, I figured I’d turn to the numbers to get a better perspective on the issue.
Let’s start with the NFL, as a recent study showed that professional football is the biggest and most beloved sport in the U.S. It’s viewership ratings are unmatched by any other American sport, and its fan base consists of millions of viewers every year. NFL games provide a great combination of aggression and passion, along with skill and talent.
On the other hand, the NBA is not far behind. With superstar players like Lebron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant, the NBA also holds its own against NFL in ratings. This is largely due to the athleticism of the players and the excitement of each game. Plus, the playoffs are a big draw with viewers, and the finals are often held over several weeks.
Over the past few years, both the NBA and NFL have seen an uptick in ratings. This is due to a combination of factors, from the rise in the popularity of fantasy sports to the millions of people now streaming games live. And with streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube TV becoming more readily available, viewership numbers seem to be on the rise.
So while both the NFL and NBA are equally popular, the ratings suggest a slight edge to the NFL. While the two have an ongoing rivalry at the moment, this seems to favor the NFL – at least in terms of ratings.
In addition, NFL network ratings are up compared to last season, although NBA MDT ratings were down. For instance, a 2019 study revealed that the NFL broadcast network ratings were up 22% from last season, while the average game for the NBA declined by about 5%.
When it comes to social media, the NFL also takes the lead. According to a recent report, the NFL had more social media followers than any other American sports league. Of course, the NBA isn’t far behind in this department either, with an impressive 8 million followers across all of its platforms.
When it comes to comparing the NFL and NBA, there is no clear-cut winner in terms of ratings. Both sports have their fans and have a long history of competing against each other. At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preference. Some people like the rough-and-tumble tackle football, while others find the highflying basketball games more enjoyable.
However, there is no denying that the NFL takes a slight edge when it comes to ratings. This is likely because it appeals to a wider demographic than the NBA, with its high-stakes play and exciting game-time atmosphere.
The NBA has made strides in the past decade to add more intensity and appeal to its game, but the NFL stands alone when it comes to capturing the hearts and minds of American sports fans. It’s clear to see why the NFL has been the self-proclaimed “king of sports” for years now.