Every game of the 2026 NBA Finals was a nail-biter.
And the television ratings reflected as such.
The Knicks-Spurs series was the most-watched NBA Finals since 1998 — the last gasp of the Michael Jordan Bulls dynasty — by averaging 20.6 million viewers across the five games, ESPN said in a statement on Tuesday.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) goes up for a shot pass San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Jason Szenes for NY Post
The Finals, the highest-rated ABC has had, saw a 100 percent increase in viewership over the 2025 seven-game series between the Thunder and Pacers. This year’s Finals was also the top program on TV each day.
On top of all the macro-level data, Game 5 averaged 24.5 million viewers and peaked at 33 million, becoming the most-watched Game 5 since the 1998 Finals.
The Knicks celebrate after defeating the Spurs to win the NBA championship. Charles Wenzelberg / NY PostThe peak viewership of Game 5 reached nearly 10 million more people than the Knicks’ epic 29-point comeback in Game 4, which had a viewership high of 23.2 million.
The Knicks’ title, their first in 53 years, has had New York and the rest of the tri-state area buzzing.
The team’s heroes have been making plenty of TV hits, with Finals MVP Jalen Brunson joining the “Today” show on Tuesday, one day after he and his New York teammates were feted on the “Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon and “Good Morning America” on Monday.
Knicks Merch Shop
This premium commemorative plaque features the iconic front cover of the New York Post from the Knicks’ historic 2026 NBA Finals victory.
The walls of any true fan require this plaque of our back cover from June 14, 2026 featuring Brunson and the boys celebrating their win.
The “Our Team, Our Title” wrap from our June 15, 2026 print edition set behind acrylic plexiglass and framed in black ayous wood.
Grab a copy of our paper from June 14, 2026 celebrating this huge moment for Knicks fans and New York City as a whole.
OMG, indeed! This adjustable hat says what we were all thinking during this intense championship run.
Own this piece of history with our cover celebrating the Knicks’ sweep over the Cavs.
Knicker Bonkers chronicles the historic championship run that united NYC. Featuring NY Post analysis and vivid photos, relive the magic of MSG.
The celebration hasn’t ended, however, as Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to make an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” on Tuesday before New York City hosts a parade up the Canyon of Heroes on Thursday morning. The parade is expected to use an eye-popping 1.25 tons of confetti.
