GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Must-Know Mlb Viewership Statistics [Latest Report]

Highlights: Mlb Viewership Statistics

  • Average MLB game viewership was 2.44 million in 2020.
  • MLB viewership increased by +4.1% in 2018 but decreased by -1.1% in 2019.
  • The 2020 MLB World Series averaged 9.8 million viewers on FOX.
  • The American League Championship Series (ALCS) averaged approximately 2.7 million viewers in 2020.
  • 2019’s most-watched MLB game on ESPN reached a viewership of 2.442 million.
  • In 2008, MLB local broadcasts averaged a 3.95 household rating, compared to a 2.83 rating in 2019.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers had the highest local ratings of any MLB team in 2019, with an 8.10 household rating.
  • MLB’s most-watched regular-season game in 2019 was the London Series, with 2.943 million viewers on FOX.
  • MLB’s record-low ratings for a World Series game were achieved in 2020, with Game 3 drawing 8.16 million viewers.
  • MLB live game streaming on FOX Sports digital platforms during the 2020 regular season was up 13% compared to 2019.
  • MLB local ratings in Houston increased by 74% in 2020.
  • Sportsnet’s broadcasts of Blue Jays games during the 2020 abbreviated season drew an average audience of 575,000 viewers.
  • Local ratings for MLB games in Atlanta rose by 68% from 2019 to 2020.

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As the 2020 MLB season comes to a close, it’s time to take a look at how viewership has fared over the past few years. From average game viewership and national broadcasts on FOX and ESPN, to local ratings for individual teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves, there have been some interesting trends in terms of who is tuning into Major League Baseball games. In this blog post we will explore these statistics from 2018-2020 including increases/decreases in viewerships as well as record highs and lows achieved during that period. We’ll also discuss which platforms are driving more engagement with baseball fans across America. So let’s dive right in.

The Most Important Statistics
Average MLB game viewership was 2.44 million in 2020. The statistic of average MLB game viewership being 2.44 million in 2020 is a telling sign of the sport’s popularity. It shows that despite the pandemic, baseball still managed to draw in a large audience, indicating that the sport is still a major draw for viewers. This statistic is an important piece of information for any blog post about MLB viewership statistics, as it provides a snapshot of the sport’s current standing. MLB viewership increased by +4.1% in 2018 but decreased by -1.1% in 2019. This statistic is a telling indication of the state of MLB viewership. It shows that while there was a slight increase in viewership in 2018, there was a decrease in 2019. This could be indicative of a trend in viewership, and could be a sign of a potential decline in the future. As such, this statistic is an important one to consider when discussing MLB viewership statistics.

Mlb Viewership Statistics Overview

The 2020 MLB World Series averaged 9.8 million viewers on FOX.

This statistic is a testament to the enduring popularity of the MLB World Series. It shows that despite the challenges of the 2020 season, viewers were still eager to tune in and watch the action. This statistic is a great indicator of the MLB’s continued success and its ability to draw in viewers.

The American League Championship Series (ALCS) averaged approximately 2.7 million viewers in 2020.

The fact that the American League Championship Series (ALCS) averaged approximately 2.7 million viewers in 2020 is a testament to the enduring popularity of Major League Baseball. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, MLB was able to draw in a sizable audience, demonstrating the league’s resilience and staying power. This statistic is a reminder that baseball remains a beloved pastime for millions of fans across the country.

2019’s most-watched MLB game on ESPN reached a viewership of 2.442 million.

This statistic is a testament to the enduring popularity of Major League Baseball, as it demonstrates that even in 2019, the sport was able to draw in a massive audience. It is a clear indication that MLB is still a major player in the sports world, and that its viewership is still strong. This statistic is an important piece of evidence when discussing MLB viewership statistics, as it shows that the sport is still able to draw in a large audience.

In 2008, MLB local broadcasts averaged a 3.95 household rating, compared to a 2.83 rating in 2019.

This statistic is indicative of a significant decrease in viewership for MLB local broadcasts over the past decade. It suggests that fewer people are tuning in to watch their favorite teams, which could be a cause for concern for the league. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as the rise of streaming services, the increasing cost of attending games, or the changing tastes of the modern sports fan. Whatever the cause, this statistic is a telling sign that MLB needs to take action to ensure that its viewership numbers remain strong.

The Los Angeles Dodgers had the highest local ratings of any MLB team in 2019, with an 8.10 household rating.

This statistic is a testament to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ immense popularity, demonstrating that they are the most watched MLB team in 2019. It is a clear indication that the Dodgers have a strong fan base and that their games are highly sought after. This is an important piece of information for any blog post about MLB viewership statistics, as it shows the level of engagement that the Dodgers have with their fans.

MLB’s most-watched regular-season game in 2019 was the London Series, with 2.943 million viewers on FOX.

The London Series’ impressive viewership of 2.943 million viewers on FOX is a testament to the growing popularity of MLB games. This statistic highlights the fact that MLB games are becoming increasingly popular, even outside of the United States. It is a sign that MLB is expanding its reach and gaining more fans from around the world. This is an important statistic to consider when discussing MLB viewership statistics, as it shows that the sport is continuing to grow in popularity.

MLB’s record-low ratings for a World Series game were achieved in 2020, with Game 3 drawing 8.16 million viewers.

The 2020 World Series Game 3’s record-low viewership of 8.16 million viewers is a telling statistic when it comes to MLB viewership statistics. This figure serves as a stark reminder of the impact the pandemic has had on the sport, and how it has affected the viewership of the game. It is a sign that the MLB needs to take steps to ensure that its viewership numbers remain high in the future, and that it can continue to attract fans to its games.

MLB live game streaming on FOX Sports digital platforms during the 2020 regular season was up 13% compared to 2019.

This statistic is indicative of the growing popularity of MLB live game streaming on FOX Sports digital platforms. It shows that more people are turning to digital platforms to watch their favorite teams play, which is a testament to the increasing accessibility of MLB games. This is an important statistic to consider when discussing MLB viewership statistics, as it demonstrates that the league is continuing to grow in popularity and reach a wider audience.

MLB local ratings in Houston increased by 74% in 2020.

The 74% increase in MLB local ratings in Houston is a testament to the power of baseball in the city. It shows that despite the challenges of the pandemic, Houstonians still found a way to come together and support their favorite teams. This statistic is a reminder of the resilience of the sport and its fans, and serves as a beacon of hope for the future of MLB viewership.

Sportsnet’s broadcasts of Blue Jays games during the 2020 abbreviated season drew an average audience of 575,000 viewers.

This statistic is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Blue Jays, even in the face of a shortened season. It shows that the team still has a dedicated fan base that is eager to watch their games, no matter the circumstances. This is an encouraging sign for the future of the franchise, and it speaks to the strength of the MLB’s viewership numbers overall.

Local ratings for MLB games in Atlanta rose by 68% from 2019 to 2020.

The remarkable 68% increase in local ratings for MLB games in Atlanta is a testament to the enduring popularity of the sport. It shows that even in the face of a global pandemic, baseball fans in Atlanta are still tuning in to watch their favorite teams. This statistic is a reminder that baseball is still a beloved pastime, and that MLB viewership statistics remain strong.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MLB viewership has seen a variety of changes over the past few years. In 2020, average game viewership was 2.44 million and national broadcasts on FOX and ESPN averaged 1.84 million viewers in the regular season. The most-watched regular-season game in 2020 drew 4 million viewers while the World Series averaged 9.8 million viewers on FOX that same year. Additionally, local ratings for MLB games saw increases across many teams including Houston (74%), Atlanta (68%) and Los Angeles Dodgers (8%). Furthermore, streaming platforms such as Fox Sports digital experienced an increase of 13% compared to 2019’s numbers which marked the first time since 1992 that U.S television ratings increased from one year to another

References

0. – https://www.foxsports.com

1. – https://www.forbes.com

2. – https://www.theathletic.com

3. – https://www.journalism.org

4. – https://www.sportsmediawatch.com

5. – https://www.businesswire.com

6. – https://www.torontosportsmedia.com

FAQs

How has MLB viewership changed over the past decade?

MLB viewership has experienced fluctuations over the past decade, showing a slight decline in recent years. Factors such as changes in viewing habits, popularity of other sports, and regional differences have contributed to this trend.

What factors contribute to the popularity of MLB games among viewers?

Factors that contribute to the popularity of MLB games among viewers include team performance, regional loyalty, player popularity, exciting game situations, and rivalries among opposing teams.

How do television broadcasting rights and contracts impact MLB viewership?

Television broadcasting rights and contracts play a significant role in MLB viewership, as they determine which networks carry the games and the quality of the broadcast. Broadcasting contracts also provide significant revenue to the MLB and individual teams, influencing financial decisions related to team marketing and player acquisition.

How does MLB viewership compare to other professional sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, and NHL?

Typically, NFL viewership leads among the major professional sports leagues in the United States, while the MLB generally holds a higher viewership than the NBA and NHL. However, this varies from region to region and can change during playoff seasons and special events like the World Series.

In which demographic groups is MLB viewership the highest?

MLB viewership tends to be higher among middle-aged and older viewers, particularly men. Additionally, regional demographic factors, such as a higher interest in baseball within certain parts of the United States, can also impact viewership figures.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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