SAN ANTONIO — The recent San Antonio Spurs - Los Angeles Lakers matchup at the Frost Bank Center was not only a must-have ticket it was also must-see television.
And the numbers prove it.
According to Sports Media Watch, the Dec. 15 Spurs-Lakers regular season game in San Antonio averaged 1.46 million viewers on ESPN, up 6% from Lakers-Sixers on the equivalent night of last season (1.38M) and the most-watched sporting event of the day.
Not only was it a win for television viewers, but it was also a big night for the Spurs who defeated the LeBron-led Lakers 129-115. It also marked the ending of an 18-game losing skid for the Spurs.
Once again this proves how impactful Wembanyama is for not just the Spurs but for the city of San Antonio.
The television numbers bring eyes to the city which helps promote it on a wider scale.
Also, it gives other players on the roster a chance to show a larger viewing audience their skills on the court.
The Spurs have been spotlighted on national television since the arrival of Wemby.
The team will be featured on national TV a total of 19 times in the 2023-24 season. Last season, the team was on ESPN for the return to the Alamodome game and was featured on three NBA TV games.
The "Wemby effect" is real. His impact has been immediate since he arrived in San Antonio and will only get stronger as he improves on the court becoming must-see TV.