Men's NCAA Tournament Hits 10.3M Avg Viewers, Best Since 1993

Nielsen data shows the men's tournament averaged 10.3 million viewers through the Elite Eight, the best audience since 1993 and a 9% increase over 2023. Highlights included UConn’s 73‑72 win over Duke, which drew 13.4 million on CBS, and a peak of 18.9 million when Braylon Mullins hit a last‑second 3‑pointer. Friday’s early regional window, featuring Duke‑St. John’s on CBS and Michigan‑Alabama on TBS/truTV, averaged 14.2 million, the most‑watched Friday early window since 1992. The Final Four and title game will air on TBS, TNT and truTV.

The women’s tournament on ESPN and ABC averaged 789,000 viewers through the Sweet 16, a 1% drop from last year. Ratings for Sunday and Monday regional finals are expected Wednesday.