Monday’s thrilling KFC BBL|14 Final was the second highest rating BBL game ever and most watched in nine years, capping a record-breaking season for the League.
A national average audience of 1.6 million, with estimated reach of over 3.5 million, watched the Hobart Hurricanes capture their first BBL title, defeating Sydney Thunder by seven wickets.
That figure was 43% higher than the BBL|13 Final, and the most watched BBL game ever across each of Seven, Foxtel, 7plus and Kayo Sports.
The match, played in front of a sold out, parochial crowd of 15,706 at Ninja Stadium, was also the highest attended BBL match at the venue since BBL|06.
The Hurricanes’ victory saw them complete the highest run chase in a BBL Final, while Mitchell Owen’s century from 39 balls was the equal fastest in BBL history.
With viewership, attendance and digital engagement data from the Finals now available, the League is proud to confirm further record-breaking results from a memorable season.
Viewership
Across the 44-game season, the BBL confirmed its status as Australia’s most watched sports league on a per game basis. Average audiences in BBL|14 grew 20% year-on-year to 770,000 viewers nationally.
The BBL|14 Finals drew an average audience of 1.145 million per game, the highest ever for a Finals series of four or more games and of any length since BBL|07.
The 34 matches simulcast across Seven, Foxtel, 7plus and Kayo Sports (including the four Finals) were watched by an average of 911,000 viewers.
This ensured BBL|14 delivered Seven its highest average audience per match since BBL|10, and Foxtel Group its most-watched season ever. Collectively, this was the most-watched BBL season under the current rights holders.
Attendance
BBL|14’s 44 matches drew a total attendance of 971,346, growing 7% year-on-year.
The average attendance of 22,076 was the highest per match since BBL|07, and is the second-highest among Australian sports leagues.
During the Finals series, the one millionth fan across the WBBL and BBL attended The Knockout at ENGIE Stadium. Total attendance from both competitions was 1,051,178.
As previously reported, average BBL home and away season crowds grew 11% on BBL|13, with six clubs achieving their highest average attendance since BBL|07.
Digital engagement
Throughout BBL|14, the League grew its social media following by 569,000, driven by a 70% year-on-year increase in content impressions, 73% increase in engagements and 46% increase in video views.
The Big Bash app continued to deliver unique and engaging experiences for fans during BBL|14, with over 100,000 downloads driving an 81% increase in sessions. The app has consistently been the #1 sports app in Australia on both the Apple and Google Play charts.
The new Big Bash YouTube channel, created in October, acquired 191,000 followers and 577,000 average views on match highlights.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said:
“Monday’s KFC BBL|14 Final was the perfect finale to a captivating season, with a record Hobart Hurricanes run chase and century from Mitchell Owen being watched by a record audience of 1.6 million nationally.
“The broadcast and attendance numbers from The Final and season at large confirm the BBL as the biggest and most-loved T20 league in its window.
“The Final will also leave a legacy as one of, if not the biggest moment in Tasmanian sporting history, with a huge global audience, a sold out crowd and packed live sites around the state watching the Hurricanes win their first title in front of their adoring home fans.
“Alongside congratulating the Hurricanes, the League would like to thank all clubs, players, broadcasters, partners and venues for delivering a world class KFC BBL|14 season.”
Joel Starcevic, Seven Network’s Head of Cricket, said:
“A record-breaking season capped off by an incredible performance by Mitch Owen and the Hurricanes, as they claimed their first Big Bash League title – it doesn’t get any bigger than that.”
“From the Thunder’s incredible turnaround from last season, to the Hurricanes’ dominant win on in front of a home crowd, this summer delivered more epic moments and unbelievable storylines than ever before. Paired with the Renegades claiming their maiden WBBL title, it’s been an epic summer of Big Bash action.
“With audiences for the Final up 40% on last year across Seven and 7plus Sport, BBL 14 absolutely captured the imagination of all Australians, and we’re ecstatic to have delivered another fiery BBL Finals Series to record-breaking audiences on Seven and 7plus Sport.”
Julian Ogrin, Kayo Sports’ Chief Executive Officer, said:
“The 2024/25 BBL season achieved the largest BBL audience ever in the history of Kayo Sports, reflecting our commitment to providing audiences world-class coverage and a premium product experience while growing sport fandom and engagement for our partners. Congratulations to Cricket Australia on what was a phenomenal season.”
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