Men's NCAA Tournament Draws Highest Viewership Since 1993

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The men's NCAA tournament is averaging 10.3 million viewers through the Elite Eight, according to Nielsen. This is the tournament's best audience since 1993 and a 9% increase over last year. UConn's last-second victory over Duke in the East Region final averaged 13.4 million viewers on CBS, with the audience peaking at 18.9 million.

Why it matters

The strong viewership numbers demonstrate the continued popularity and appeal of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, which remains one of the most-watched annual sporting events in the United States. The increased audience compared to last year suggests growing interest and engagement from fans.

The details

Friday's early window with Duke-St.John's on CBS and Michigan-Alabama on TBS/truTV averaged 14.2 million viewers, the most-watched Friday regional early window since 1992. The Final Four and title game will be aired on TBS, TNT and truTV. In contrast, the women's NCAA tournament on ESPN's networks and ABC is averaging 789,000 viewers through Saturday's Sweet 16 games, a 1% decrease from last year.

• The men's NCAA tournament is averaging 10.3 million viewers through the Elite Eight.
• UConn's last-second 73-72 victory over Duke in the East Region final averaged 13.4 million on CBS, with the audience peaking at 18.9 million.
• Friday's early window with Duke-St.John's on CBS and Michigan-Alabama on TBS/truTV averaged 14.2 million, the most-watched Friday regional early window since 1992.