Robust Ratings for NBA Playoffs on TNT

The 2009 NBA Playoffs were the most-watched in Turner Broadcasting System’s 25 years of airing the NBA, with TNT boasting a 19% ratings increase compared with last year’s postseason, posting a 3.1 household rating for 43 total games and 4.713 million total viewers, up 24% from 3.806 million for the 2008 NBA Playoffs.

TNT’s Eastern Conference Finals averaged a 5.4 household rating, up 30% versus its 2008 Western Conference Finals coverage, and total viewers rose 36% to 8.629 million from 6.329 million.

The cable network also boasted the most watched cable telecast of all-time with game four of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers, which delivered 10.075 million total viewers.

And the network delivered the most-watched first round in cable history with a 2.3 rating for 24 games, up 10% over last year (22 games).