News
Erik Gruenwedel
April 24, 2020
How starved are Americans for live sports on television and over-the-top video? More than 15.6 million viewers April 23 reportedly watched the first round of the NFL Draft on ABC, NFL Network and ESPN combined, originating from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s home basement.
That was up 37% from last year’s non-COVID-19 draft telecast from Las Vegas. ABC reportedly generated 6.1 million viewers during primetime watched Heisman winner LSU quarterback Joe Burrow become the first pick taken by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Follow us on Instagram
“The theme of hope is always prevalent in the NFL, especially with regard to the Draft,” Goodell said in a statement about the first round. “In 2020, that’s especially true, as we help honor healthcare workers, first responders, and others on the front lines of the battle with COVID-19 while giving our fans something to cheer about as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars.”
Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!
Day 2 of the draft also set a second-day record, with an average of 8.2 million viewers across the ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes and digital platforms.
Related Posts
NFL Holding 2020 Draft From Commissioner's Home BasementIn a switch, there will be live sports tonight (8 p.m. ET) on broadcast television and streaming showcasing the 2020 NFL Draft from the basement of commissioner Roger Goodell's home in Westchester County, New York. The annual media event takes…
CES 2020 In PicturesAs CES 2020 concludes its run in Las Vegas, let's take a look back in pictures. Visitors to the show floor saw all sorts of innovative new technologies, from the latest self-driving concept cars to smart homes and smart cities.…
Dotcom Pioneers All in for NFL Thursday Night FootballThe National Football League suffered through a controversy-plagued season, underscored by declining attendance and slipping TV ratings – down 13%. But that isn’t stopping Twitter, Amazon, Google-owned YouTube and Verizon from upping bids for first-time multiyear streaming rights to the…
XFL Cancels Remaining 2020 SeasonAs expected, Vince McMahon's alternative reboot of professional football, the XFL, March 20 formally canceled the remaining half of its season due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus in the United States. In a statement, league CEO Oliver…