MLB2 hours ago2 minute read

World Series Viewership Beats Predictions Despite Small Markets

The World Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays is drawing stronger TV numbers than expected.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Ratings Strong for Top Teams

The World Series matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays is doing better on television than expected. Audiences for the first two games dropped just 6% compared to Games 1 and 2 from last year between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.

Game 1 saw Milwaukee win 3-2 last Friday. That game averaged 12.26 million viewers across television and streaming platforms. Game 2 saw the Brewers win 5-4, drawing 10.85 million viewers. Both games finished as the top broadcast of the night.

Midwest Roots Drive Fan Interest

Many expected lower ratings because two small market teams are playing for the championship. Predictions suggested numbers could match the 2023 series between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks. That series was the least watched on record, averaging 9.11 million viewers. Game 2 of that matchup set a record low at 8.15 million.

This year is different. Milwaukee brings a steady base of fans from the Midwest and has been a regular contender over the past few seasons. This matchup also features the two teams with the best records in baseball this season.

Mike Mulvihill, network president for insight and analytics, noted that having a Midwest team helps build interest. He said that Milwaukee taking down the two time defending champion Dodgers in convincing fashion created extra excitement. Mulvihill admitted very few people guessed ratings would be down only 6% through two games.

Tough Competition on Monday

The main network average for the first two games reached 11.05 million viewers. However, Game 3 could see lower numbers. Milwaukee won Monday's game 10-1 in a blowout. The broadcast also faced heavy competition from an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.

What it means for the next game

Milwaukee Brewers at Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, Thu, 29 Oct): Tampa Bay Rays win 47%, Milwaukee Brewers win 53%; projected score Tampa Bay Rays 4, Milwaukee Brewers 4. Our safest pick: Rays +2.5.

Tampa Bay Rays at Milwaukee Brewers (MLB, Sat, 31 Oct): Milwaukee Brewers win 62%, Tampa Bay Rays win 38%; projected score Milwaukee Brewers 5, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Our safest pick: Under 10.5 runs.