Fans desperate for live sports on television propelled the NFL Draft to another ratings record on its second day.
ESPN’s broadcast of the second and third rounds of the draft on Friday across all platforms drew 8.2 million viewers, a 40 percent increase from last year’s day two broadcast.
#NFLDraft continues to break viewership records. Friday's audience was a Day 2-best 8.2 million viewers across all networks and digital platforms.
Top markets: Cleveland (9.5), Atlanta (8.8), Kansas City (8.6), Columbus (8.4), and Milwaukee and Philly (8.3). pic.twitter.com/Yyk6yJflwa
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) April 25, 2020
Frankly, this is a big reason why the NFL went ahead with the event. The 2020 draft is on pace to be the most-watched ever, with many fans holed up in their homes looking for something to watch. Day one set a viewing record as well, blowing the old one out of the water.
The NFL Draft is always a big event. Combine it with a pandemic that’s keeping people at home, plus a lack of viewing options elsewhere, and you have a ratings blockbuster on your hands.
