Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 11, 2024
NFL averages a record 21 million Week 1 viewers
Thursday’s Chiefs-Ravens game had Week 1’s highest ratings. Ed Zurga/AP
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LOS ANGELES — The NFL averaged 21 million viewers per game during the league’s opening week, making it the most-watched Week 1 on record.
The league and Nielsen said Wednesday morning that the per-game average on TV and digital platforms was a 12% increase over last year. Nielsen began electronic measurement of viewing in 1988.
All told, 123 million people saw at least part of one game, its highest total for an opening week since 2019.
“A great start with the viewership. It was great to be back and a lot to be excited about,” said Hans Schroeder, the NFL’s executive vice president of media distribution.
