Television viewership data for 2025 has delivered a powerful verdict on what truly captivates American audiences, with sporting events utterly dominating the ratings landscape. A remarkable 96 out of the top 100 most-watched telecasts of the year were sports broadcasts, tying a record set just two years prior in 2023.
The Unstoppable Rise of Sports Broadcasting
This overwhelming dominance marks a significant increase from the 87 sports events that featured in the top 100 last year. The figures, reported by the Sports Business Journal, underscore a relentless trend where live sports continue to be the most potent draw for linear television, even amidst major political and cultural events. The year witnessed the historic return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office and the election of the first American-born Pope, yet neither could compete with the collective draw of the stadium.
At the heart of this sporting supremacy was American football. Games from both the college ranks and the National Football League (NFL) are projected to account for 92 of the 96 sports entries. The NFL itself was the primary engine, with the climax of the 2024 season and the 2025 regular season claiming approximately 84 spots in the coveted top 100 list.
Record-Breaking Events and Standout Performances
The crown jewel was February's Super Bowl LIX, where the Philadelphia Eagles' victory over the Kansas City Chiefs captivated an estimated 127.7 million viewers across the United States, making it the most-watched Super Bowl in history. The event, which drew celebrities like Taylor Swift and President Trump to the stands in New Orleans, solidified its status as an unparalleled cultural phenomenon.
Beyond the NFL, other sports carved out their place in the ratings elite:
- College Football: The expanded College Football Playoff (CFP), now featuring 12 teams, is expected to secure a record eight positions in the top 100.
- Major League Baseball: A thrilling World Series clash between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays saw Games six and seven earn spots in the rankings.
- Kentucky Derby: The 151st Run for the Roses, won by jockey Junior Alvarado aboard Sovereignty, returned to the top 100.
- NCAA Basketball: The men's championship game of March Madness also featured among the year's most-viewed broadcasts.
The Slim Pickings for Non-Sports Programming
Only four non-sporting broadcasts managed to break into the top 100, highlighting the sheer scale of sports' appeal. These were President Trump's inauguration, his address to a joint session of Congress, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Oscars ceremony.
It is important to note that the rankings do not include viewership for streaming-exclusive content. This means high-profile events like the Netflix boxing match featuring Anthony Joshua's victory over Jake Paul were not considered in this traditional broadcast tally.
The data presents a clear picture of the modern media diet: for mass, simultaneous audience engagement, live sports remain in a league of their own. As streaming platforms increasingly compete for premium sports rights, this dominance is likely to define the broadcasting landscape for the foreseeable future.
