The NCAA tournament received the highest TV ratings for its opening week in 23 years.
According to Nielsen numbers that were released on Monday, CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ coverage of March Madness is “averaging a 6.3/14 overnight rating/share, the highest rating for the opening week of the NCAA Tournament in 23 years, when the tournament expanded to its current format.”
Ratings are up 5% from last year and last weekend’s ratings were up 19% compared to last year.
There has been plenty of drama in the tournament’s first week.
Powerhouses like Indiana, Ohio State, and Kansas have had to fight for their tournament lives.
No. 1 Gonzaga was eliminated.
And two Cinderellas–No. 13 La Salle and No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast–have captured the attention of Americans, particularly the high-flying and fearless Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, the first No 15 seed to ever make it to the Sweet 16 after defeating No. 15 Georgetown and No. 7 San Diego State in the tournament’s first week.
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