Overview
- The UConn–Duke Elite Eight matchup averaged 13.4 million viewers on CBS, with a 18.9 million peak on the game-winning buzzer-beater.
- CBS and TNT Sports say the Elite Eight averaged 10.3 million viewers, up 9% and pacing for the most-watched NCAA Tournament since 1993.
- Networks report every Sweet 16 and Elite Eight game rose year over year, with Friday’s early-prime window averaging 14.2 million for Duke–St. John’s and Michigan–Alabama.
- Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel, launched in September 2025, now counts more out-of-home viewing, which lifts reported totals and makes direct historical comparisons less clean.
- Next up, the Final Four in Indianapolis features Illinois vs. UConn followed by Michigan vs. Arizona at Lucas Oil Stadium.