NBA-Wembanyama's hot start powers TV, streaming and social-media surge


Oct 22, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

(Reuters) -San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama's blistering start to the 2025–26 NBA season has driven sharp gains in U.S. television audiences, international interest and league-wide digital engagement, according to data provided to Reuters by the NBA.

Wembanyama and the Spurs drew an average 2.49 million viewers for their national television debut on October 22 against the Dallas Mavericks, up 63% from ESPN's comparable opening-night game a year earlier, the league said.

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