World Series Surpasses Monday Night Football, Attracting Over 13 Million Viewers

In a surprising turn of events, the 2024 World Series has overtaken Monday Night Football in a head-to-head ratings battle, drawing 13.6 million viewers for Game 3, compared to 13.4 million for the concurrent NFL matchup between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers. This marks a significant moment for Major League Baseball (MLB), illustrating a noteworthy shift in the viewing landscape.

Viewership Numbers

Game 3 of the World Series, which featured the Los Angeles Dodgers facing off against the New York Yankees, captivated audiences across all Fox Sports platforms, including streaming services and Spanish-language broadcasts. On the other hand, the Monday Night Football game averaged 13.4 million viewers across ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2.

Head-to-Head Competition

This matchup represents a rare instance where MLB has outperformed the NFL in direct competition. While the World Series achieved slightly higher total viewership, traditional Nielsen ratings paint a slightly different picture, with Game 3 earning a 6.6 rating compared to MNF’s 7.3 rating. Despite this, the inclusion of streaming and Spanish-language audiences allowed the World Series to ultimately secure the win.

Ratings and Market Performance

In the New York media market, the World Series delivered an impressive 11.6 rating and a 29 share, signifying that a substantial portion of households were engaged with the game. The World Series has demonstrated a remarkable rise in popularity this year, averaging 14.4 million viewers through the first three games, marking a 63% increase compared to the same stage of the competition last year.

Historical Context and Trends

While the World Series has thrived, Monday Night Football has experienced challenges. This year’s NFL offering saw a 12% decline in viewership compared to the previous season, illustrating a potential shift in viewer interests. Since 2017, the 2024 World Series has recorded the best total viewership numbers, showcasing the significant appeal of this year’s highly anticipated matchup between two storied franchises.

Impact and Significance

The Dodgers versus Yankees rivalry has propelled record merchandise sales and invigorated fan interest, marking a pivotal change in the balance of sports viewership. This head-to-head showdown coincided with the sports equinox, a day where all major U.S. men’s professional sports leagues had games, further saturating the sports media landscape.

As the World Series continues its run, the results of this surprising viewer interest could have lasting implications for both MLB and the NFL. The potential for shift in viewing habits raises questions about the future dynamics between America’s favorite sports leagues.