A Historic Sporting Spectacle Unfolds
Unprecedented Viewership for the Final Showdown
The climactic encounter between Indiana and Miami concluded with a 27-21 victory for Indiana, captivating an average audience of 30.1 million. This remarkable figure positions it as the second most-watched College Football Playoff national championship since the event's inception.
Comparing to Past Championship Records
The viewership peaked at an astonishing 33.2 million during the game's initial half, closely approaching the record set by the inaugural CFP title game on January 12, 2015. That historical game, which saw Ohio State defeat Oregon 42-20, garnered an average of 33.9 million viewers, largely due to Ezekiel Elliott's outstanding performance of 246 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
A Standout in American Sports Broadcasting
Beyond the realm of the NFL, the Hoosiers' triumph over the Hurricanes achieved a significant milestone, becoming the most-watched American sports broadcast since Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. That memorable game witnessed the Chicago Cubs securing their first World Series title since 1908, triumphing 8-7 over the then-Cleveland Indians.
Surpassing Previous Championship Broadcasts
The recent championship distinctly outshone the previous year's CFP title game, which recorded an average of 22.1 million viewers for Ohio State's 34-23 victory against Notre Dame, underscoring a notable increase in public engagement.