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The NHL and NBA Finals helped prove live sports are still TV’s biggest draw

The NHL and NBA Finals helped prove live sports are still TV’s biggest draw

Larger draws than ever before keep live sports buzzing.

Adam Zeis
Adam Zeis is the Managing Editor of The Streamable, where he oversees all site content and leads a dynamic team of freelancers. With over 15 years of experience in tech media, Adam has developed a deep expertise in streaming entertainment, technology, and content creation. His passion for the streaming landscape began when he cut the cord in 2010. Since then, he has dedicated his career to exploring and sharing insights on the ever-evolving digital entertainment space.
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Adam Zeis
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As a cord-cutter since 2010, he’s spent over 15 years covering tech and streaming for sites like TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and CrackBerry. He also has a soft spot for '80s movies.
As a cord-cutter since 2010, he’s spent over 15 years covering tech and streaming for sites like TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and CrackBerry. He also has a soft spot for '80s movies.

If anyone needed a reminder that live sports remain one of television’s most powerful attractions, the 2026 NHL and NBAFinals delivered it in a big way. According to ESPN, the New York Knicks’ five-game championship victory over the San Antonio Spurs averaged 20.6 million viewers across ABC and ESPN, making it the most-watched NBA Finals since 1998. The series also set a new audience record for ABC and ESPN’s NBA Finals coverage.

As for the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, it was the most-watched since 2019, but more importantly, the NHL playoffs this year were the most-watched ever as a whole.

The clinching Game 5 of the NBA Finals was especially massive, averaging 24.5 million viewers and peaking at 33 million during the closing moments of New York’s championship win, making it the most-watched NBA Finals Game 5 since Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were still winning titles in the late 1990s.

ESPN says the Finals audience was up 100% from the 2025 championship series, a remarkable jump in an era where traditional TV audiences are often trending in the opposite direction, especially when it’s the NFL, not a larger event like the World Cup.

For the NHL, it was the best Stanley Cup Playoffs on record, averaging 1.8 million viewers across all games and networks. The final six-game series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights averaged 5.2 million viewers, making it the best since 2019.

The strong ratings also reinforce something the streaming industry has learned repeatedly over the last few years: premium live sports continue to attract audiences regardless of platform. Whether it’s the latest UFC fight, the Super Bowl, or now the NBA Finals, live events remain among the few things viewers still make a point of watching in real time.

For the rest of the networks and streamers, the numbers couldn’t come at a better time as many companies continue to expand their direct-to-consumer sports offerings. And for the broader TV industry, the message is clear: while viewing habits may be changing, blockbuster live sports can still deliver audiences that most scripted shows and streaming originals can only dream of.

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ESPN launched its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service on August 21, 2025. For the first time, this service gives sports fans access to its full lineup of linear channels without a traditional cable or satellite subscription.

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Subscribers can pay the $31.99 monthly fee for ESPN Unlimited, which unlocks all ESPN linear channels — including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN on ABC — plus ESPN+ and ESPN3, totaling around 47,000 live events each year. A subscription may be purchased monthly or annually.

ESPN+ content is available as part of an ESPN Ultimate subscription; those seeking only ESPN+ can subscribe to ESPN Select for $13.99 instead.

ESPN Unlimited offers extensive coverage of the NFL, NBA, MLB, college sports, UFC, soccer, tennis, and more, along with original programming, studio shows, and “30 for 30” documentaries. Starting in 2026, the platform will become the exclusive U.S. streaming home for WWE’s premium live events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble.

NFL Network and NFL RedZone are also included through an NFL-ESPN partnership, which adds draft coverage, preseason games, and NFL+ Premium features. The enhanced ESPN app will feature Multiview for watching multiple games simultaneously, real-time stats, betting and fantasy tools, personalized highlight reels, and even e-commerce options for tickets and merchandise.

On September 1, 2026, ESPN Unlimited prices were raised — barely a year after launch — from $13 to $14 per month for ESPN Select and from $30 to $32 for ESPN Unlimited.

Viewers can subscribe directly or bundle ESPN Unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu. With its robust live sports lineup, premium features, and the convenience of streaming anywhere, ESPN’s new service is a must-have for die-hard sports fans looking to cut the cord without sacrificing coverage.

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Adam Zeis
Adam Zeis is the Managing Editor of The Streamable, where he oversees all site content and leads a dynamic team of freelancers. With over 15 years of experience in tech media, Adam has developed a deep expertise in streaming entertainment, technology, and content creation. His passion for the streaming landscape began when he cut the cord in 2010. Since then, he has dedicated his career to exploring and sharing insights on the ever-evolving digital entertainment space.
Read full bio ›
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