The 2024 World Series may have been brief, but it showcased the ability of the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees to attract viewers.
According to Fox, Fox Deportes, and Fox’s streaming services, Game 5 of the World Series averaged 18.6 million viewers, making it the most-watched Game 5 on Fox since the 2017 World Series. The Dodgers secured their eighth title with a 7-6 victory in this game.
This viewership figure represents a 58% increase from last year’s Game 5 between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks, which has been a trend since Game 1. Los Angeles had higher local ratings than New York, with a 21.1 rating and 55 share, as they closed in on the championship.
The peak viewership occurred between 11:15 and 11:30 p.m. ET when the Dodgers took the lead in the eighth inning and held on to win. The overall average viewership for the World Series was 15.8 million viewers per game, the highest since 2017.
With Fox reportedly earning $44.3 million in ad revenue during the first five games, there was potential for even higher earnings in Games 6 and 7 had they been necessary.
In addition, Japan set record viewership numbers for the first two games of the series, particularly due to national hero Shohei Ohtani’s presence. The numbers are expected to increase further for Games 4 and 5.
Despite the positive ratings trend, Major League Baseball continues to face challenges in a declining television viewership landscape. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt across the sports industry, making any gains in viewership significant.
Overall, the World Series results indicate progress for MLB compared to seven years ago, highlighting the enduring popularity of the sport despite industry-wide challenges. The NFL remains a notable exception in terms of viewership strength.