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Podcast listening spikes during NBA Finals featuring Knicks and Spurs

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 4:00 PM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Podcast listening spikes during NBA Finals featuring Knicks and Spurs

Summary

NBA Finals-related podcast listening on Spotify increased over 350% in the past week, with a 500% peak in activity following Game 3. The Spurs' 115-111 win at Madison Square Garden drew the largest audience for a Finals Game 3 since 1998, averaging 23.8 million viewers. As a result of heightened interest, eight of Spotify's top 10 sports podcast episodes last week were linked to the Finals. The Knicks' first Finals appearance since 1999 contributed to a surge in local streams of 'Empire State of Mind' by JAY-Z and Alicia Keys.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•NBA Finals podcast listening surged more than 350% this week.
•Game 3's viewership was the largest for a Game 3 since 1998.
•The Knicks are in their first Finals since 1999.
•Eight of Spotify's top 10 sports podcasts featured NBA Finals content.
•The song 'Empire State of Mind' saw a 1,245% spike in New York streams.

Latest Updates

4:00 PMYahoo Sports — NBA Finals podcast listening surges on Spotify

What they're saying

"
The Knicks and Spurs have been must-listen as much as must-watch this NBA Finals, according to new data from Spotify. NBA Finals-related podcast listening on Spotify surged more than 350% over the past week, while streams of Finals-related episodes were up more than 450% over the same period. The morning after Game 3 — Tuesday,…
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs NBA Basketball