CBS and Turner Sports might be enjoying the NCAA Tournament more than even the most serious of basketball fans. Why? Because they’re pulling in some huge numbers during the tournament. Through the opening week, the tournament was averaging 9,227,000 viewers. That’s the highest average number of viewers since 1993.
The games, which are being shown on CBS, TBS, TNT and TruTV, are averaging a 5.9 rating. To put that rating in perspective, it’s tied for the highest opening week in the last 17 years.
What does all of this tell us? Aside from the fact it shows people actually were able to locate TruTV on their dial, it shows the NCAA Tournament is still growing in popularity. Along with the NFL and the Olympics, it’s that rare sporting event that can capture both hardcore fans and a mainstream audience interested in winning a small piece of Warren Buffett’s fortune. People are finding a way to tune in even when games take place during the day or at night and on their mobile or tablet device.
It’ll be interesting to see how the later rounds pan out, but CBS and Turner Sports already have a winner on their hands thanks to a huge opening week.
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