NBA Draft first round viewership rises 10 percent on ESPN, ABC
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
NBA Draft coverage on ESPN and ABC attracted an average of 4.2 million viewers this week, demonstrating a 10 percent increase from the previous year. The broadcast peaked during the first 15 minutes, driven by speculation around the Washington Wizards' top pick, BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa. The event, split into two nights for the second consecutive year, has garnered attention competing against Fox’s FIFA men’s World Cup coverage. Details on the audience for the second round are still pending as viewership numbers are analyzed.
- •4.2 million average viewers for NBA Draft on ESPN and ABC
- •Peak viewership reached 5.5 million in the opening session
- •Washington Wizards selected BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa at No. 1
- •Draft format split over two nights continues to attract viewers
- •Second round viewership numbers have not yet been released
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — NBA Draft first round up 10 percent on ESPN, ABC with uncertainty in top 3
"NBA Draft coverage on ESPN and ABC averaged 4.2 million viewers this week, up 10 percent from last year. According to the network, the show peaked in the first 15 minutes amid intrigue over who the Washington Wizards would select with the No. 1 overall pick, who was ultimately BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa. While the…
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