well that explains the push to make the games even later, it seems they want a reason to can it (one that is).

however its not really that surprising. i know after work on a friday im straight to the pub or heading out, rarely sitting at home waiting for a live NBL game. but getting home later on after going to the pub to now see the game on is more appetising.

I find it hard to believe. Last year, I watched games and had non-basketball friends talking about how they'd stumbled across the NBL back on TV. Met up at friends' houses to watch games, etc. This year, even though I follow two teams, I haven't watched a single game all the way through (though I was away for three weeks) - in total I think I caught the last quarter of a Hawks game and that was it.

Maybe in a later time slot, there is less competition for people just flicking around desperate for something to watch?

The ratings I have seen are pretty much the same as last year, for what it's worth Isaac.

I agree with Isaac, sound like some big BS to me, there's no way possible the ratings have gone up this year

i also find that hard to believe.
last year i watched every live game.
this year i wouldnt even know what games are being replayed.
sometimes i accidenty catch a replay in the mornings, but already know the result so i dont even watch the whole thing anyway.
what would be the nbl motive to say the ratings are higher......kinda doesn't make sense!

Youve got to remember the ratings are done on only 3000 homes, so it is hardly a reliable source. But the ratings this year are pretty much the same as last.

Perhaps the ratings are actually benefiting generally from more people watching One overall. One of the strategies of the majors is to build programming that leads into other programming. I am sure that is not One's strategy, but it would be interesting to see viewership from the shows before the NBL.

If the numbers are accurate, I am interested in hearing theories as to how NBL viewership could be up - e.g., like HO's suggestion, or my complete guess re competition. What else could cause it?

Maybe instead of one guy with a TV ratings box watching the NBL, we have two guys with a TV ratings box watching the NBL.

Isaac - I didn't get to watch live games last year for much the same reasons I don;t get to go to 36ers games. Friday nights is Little Athletics witht eh family, Sunday afternoon is family stuff (kids' concerts, sport, beach, etc.). Also, the kids get to watch their stuff early evening Saturday and Sunday, and that's not basketball. They outnumber me 4 to 1!

This year, I watch at least half of the Friday night game as we're home from Little Aths and the kids are in bed. I've also seen some (bits of) Saturday night games for much the same reason.

This year also, the games are on in a time slot when I tend to graze and watch whatever takes my interest. Live games are on in a time slot when people (read - my kids or whoever rules the TV in the household) have existing viewing preferences.

I also have noticed the amount and nature of discussion of this year's coverage (usually critical) on this site suggests most people who watched last year are watching this year. So you've kept the die hards and gained a few people like me as watchers.

My thought is the poor games (Melbourne and Sydney) and poor presentation reduced last year's audience to a core following who are still watching this year.

Other ideas? Overall the TV games have been much better than early last year, Mills (and Bogut talk earlier?) generating a bit more interest in the league, clubs' that have been more actively getting out in the community are generating a bit more interest. Who knows?

Hard to say, but it is good news that it is still attracting a reasonable audience and let's hope it continues through the season.