Live coverage of March Madness basketball on CBS and Turner networks TBS, TNT and TruTV is averaging a 6.7 household rating and 15 share in metered markets this year, up 8% over last year, according to Nielsen. This year’s figure is tied for third best through the regional finals in the past 26 years, the networks said.
Live streams and live hours are both up at least 30%, according to CBS and Turner.
Sunday’s Michigan State/Duke game produced the highest metered market delivery for the game window in 14 years at 10.5 with a 21 share.
Official March Madness social accounts, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, have produced a 117% increase in engagements versus last year.
Next up in the tournament are Auburn versus Virginia and Texas Tech versus Michigan State, both on CBS April 6. The winners face off for the championship April 8 in Minneapolis.
The final takes place on CBS. Jim Nantz, Grant Hill, Bill Raftery and reporter Tracy Wolfson call the Final Four and national championship for the fifth consecutive year.
