The NCAA Tournament has kicked off with a bang, setting new records for viewership right out of the gate. According to Nielsen, the tournament averaged 9.8 million viewers over the first three days, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. This surge in interest highlights the excitement and unpredictability that March Madness consistently delivers.
Since CBS and TNT began broadcasting all games in 2011, the tournament's reach has expanded significantly. Thursday's opening round games, aired across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, drew an impressive 9.8 million viewers, a 6% rise compared to last year. This boost underscores the growing allure of college basketball's biggest stage.
The primetime matchups didn't disappoint either. VCU's thrilling 82-78 victory over North Carolina captivated audiences, averaging 12.5 million viewers. This made it the most-watched first-round window in NCAA Tournament history, a testament to the drama and high stakes that fans crave.
The excitement wasn't limited to the main rounds. The First Four games on Tuesday and Wednesday pulled in a total of 7.5 million viewers on truTV.
Miami (Ohio)'s 89-79 win over SMU on Wednesday alone attracted 2.8 million viewers, setting a record for the most-watched First Four game when held in Dayton, Ohio. It's clear that from the First Four to the final buzzer, fans are eagerly tuning in to catch every moment.
With the tournament off to such a strong start, fans can expect more thrilling games and unforgettable moments as the madness continues.