Victor Wembanyama entered this season as one of the most hyped rookies in recent memory, and fans want to see the French phenom in action. That translated to Wembanyama’s debut, with much of the country tuning in to watch the forward’s first NBA game.
According to ESPN, the Spurs-Mavericks game on Wednesday night averaged 2.99 million views, peaking at 3.9 million, which was the most-watched season-opening ESPN late game since 2012.
Not surprisingly, this game did very well in France, as French NBA League Pass increased by 220% compared to league average. Additionally, both the Spurs and Mavericks participated in their most watched ESPN non-Christmas regular season game on Wednesday night.
Victor Wembanyama’s debut:
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 26, 2023
🏀 2.99M viewers
🏀 Most-watched Mavs/Spurs reg. season game on ESPN ever (non-Xmas)
🏀NBA League Pass viewership in France was up +220% vs. last year's regular season avg
🏀214M video views: most of any player on NBA social since start of preseason pic.twitter.com/tKHSFtLiyQ
That game followed Celtics-Knicks, which averaged less but peaked at more viewers to similarly great ratings. In total, the doubleheader did 80% better than last year’s season-opening ESPN night, for the network’s best first night of NBA coverage in 11 years.
Although the Mavericks won a tight game 126–119, Wembanyama played just 23 minutes as he battled foul trouble. Still, the No. 1 overall pick produced 15 points, five rebounds and two assists to begin his career.
