NBA Regional Ratings on the Rise, Says Nielsen

Nielsen Media reports that NBA broadcasters are seeing a lift in the ratings this year. Among the findings are that the San Antonio Spurs are the highest-rated NBA team with a 6.8 average household rating and that the New Orleans Hornets ratings are up 163% compared to a year ago, thanks in large part to last year’s come-from-nowhere clinching of their division.

In Cleveland, fans witnessed the high flying Lebron James lead the Cavs to an eight-game winning streak, which fueled a109% lift in ratings from last season.

Atlanta and Portland, two teams loaded with young talent, have captured the attention of their markets, with a 97% and 44% increase in their local ratings respectively. In Orlando, Dwight Howard and the Magic are atop their division, and are also enjoying a 26% boost in viewership compared to last season.

Meanwhile the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, who benefit from the nation’s two largest markets, are also outperforming last season, with 17% and 14% increases.