TNT Nets Big NBA Premiere Night Ratings

TNT’s doubleheader tipoff of its National Basketball Association regular season coverage netted the network six million viewers, according to network officials.

The network’s Cleveland Cavaliers-Chicago Bulls telecast drew 3.5 million viewers, up 52% from last year’s opening night telecast, while its New Orleans Pelicans-Golden State Warriors telecast packed in 2.5 million viewers, an increase of 4% over last year’s second opening night telecast.

Overall, the 6 million total viewers for the network’s opening night doubleheader was up 28% over last year, while generating  double-digit growth across all key demos including an 18% increase in adults 18-49, said the network.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.