NBA Finals Game 7 Most-Watched Since 2019 Amid ESPN Broadcast Criticism

The 2025 NBA Finals Game 7 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder was the most-watched NBA Finals game in six years, drawing over 16.35 million viewers and peaking at 19.21 million. Despite the high viewership for the final game, the overall series had one of the lowest average ratings in nearly 20 years, attributed in part to the smaller market teams involved. ESPN's coverage of the Finals, particularly their Game 7 pregame show, faced widespread criticism from fans for being unprofessional and disrespectful, highlighted by a contentious rant between analysts Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins and insensitive camera work capturing Pacers player TJ McConnell's emotional moment with his mother. Additionally, ESPN commentator Doris Burke drew heavy backlash on social media for her analysis and broadcasting style during the Finals. The negative reception of ESPN’s coverage has led to anticipation for the upcoming change in broadcast teams, with the popular Inside the NBA crew set to take over next year.