MLB Postseason Ratings Surge 30%, Highest Since 2010

UPDATE: Major League Baseball’s postseason viewership has surged to its highest level in 15 years, marking an extraordinary comeback for the sport. According to MLB and Nielsen, average viewership during the division series reached 4.33 million, reflecting a remarkable 30% increase from last year.

The excitement peaked last Friday with a thrilling 15-inning game between the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers, which captivated an average of 8.72 million viewers across Fox, Fox Deportes, and streaming platforms. This contest, where the Mariners clinched a 3-2 victory, became the most-watched division round game on Fox since 2011, when the Detroit Tigers faced off against the New York Yankees.

Viewership for the two AL Division Series aired on Fox, FS1, and FS2 averaged 4.15 million, the highest for any network since the NL Division Series on TBS featuring the Cubs and Cardinals as well as the Mets and Dodgers. The Toronto Blue Jays’ series against the Yankees, which they won in four games, attracted an impressive average of 7.65 million viewers from both the U.S. and Canada.

The overall viewership for all four division series in the U.S. averaged 4.17 million, the highest since 2011, representing a significant 17% jump from the previous year. In Canada, the Blue Jays division series games averaged 3.65 million, reflecting a 10% increase compared to their last ALDS appearance in 2016.

As the postseason progresses, Sunday’s first game of the AL Championship Series between Seattle and Toronto averaged 5.31 million viewers on Fox, Fox Deportes, and streaming services. This figure marks a substantial 32% increase over last year’s Game 1 of the ALCS, which featured Cleveland against the Yankees.

This surge in viewership underscores the growing excitement surrounding baseball and its postseason. Fans are tuning in at unprecedented levels, emphasizing the sport’s enduring appeal and the emotional stakes involved. As the playoffs continue, all eyes will be on how these ratings evolve and whether they will maintain this momentum.

Stay tuned for further updates as the MLB postseason unfolds, with fans eager to witness more historic moments and thrilling matchups.