MLB insider reveals significant bump in World Series ratings compared to 2023; viewership soars past NBA Finals
The Los Angeles Dodgers added their eighth World Series title in franchise history by defeating the New York Yankees 4-1. In one of the most anticipated title matchups in recent history, the Dodgers proved to be simply too much for the American League champions to overcome.
There are several reasons why the 2024 World Series was so successful, including the fact that it featured two of the most storied franchises in MLB history. It also had the benefit of featuring the MLB's two biggest stars: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.
It's not only an opinion that this year's championship matchup was one of the best in recent years, but the numbers also back up that claim. According to MLB insider Bill Shaikin on Thursday, the 2024 World Series saw a significant jump in the ratings compared to last season. This year's ratings were also reportedly the highest since 2017.
The viewership rating for Game 5 of this year's matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees reportedly drew 7 million viewers more than the 2023 matchup between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks. Game 5 in 2024 drew 18.6 million viewers, whereas Game 5 in 2023 drew 11.5 million.
Shaikin also noted that the numbers listed above (which were provided by Fox) are for those fans tuning in in the United States. The ratings for fans watching in Japan are not yet available; however, with superstars such as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto competing, it would not be surprising to see that number rise.
2024 World Series drew more viewers than 2024 NBA Finals
Not only did the 2024 World Series crush the numbers of the previous season, but it also surpassed the ratings of the 2024 NBA Finals. Despite the NBA Finals featuring one of the most storied franchises in the league, the Boston Celtics, taking on the Dallas Mavericks, it only managed to draw a reported average rating of 11.3 million viewers.
The NBA playoffs drew criticism for their lack of excitement; even with superstars such as Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown, the champion round drew fewer viewers than the Fall Classic this year.
It remains to be seen if this will be an ongoing trend; with the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers seemingly not going away any time soon, it could be a continuing trend for the game. It's safe to say that baseball is back.