Dramatic Conclusion of MLB All-Star Game Fails to Boost TV Viewership Ratings
The 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game, held last year, has set a new record for the highest viewership since the Midsummer Classic broke the seven-figure mark in 2015.
The game, broadcast on ESPN, drew 6.7 million viewers, marking a significant increase from the 7.19 million viewers on Fox in 2022. This makes the 2023 ASG the most-watched All-Star Game on ESPN since 2016.
The surge in viewership can be attributed to several factors. The introduction of a Home Run Derby-style tie-breaker format, used for the first time in the game, added excitement and drama. Moreover, an automatic balls-and-strikes (ABS) challenge system was tested during the game, adding just 13.8 seconds per challenge to the spring games' total running times.
The 2023 All-Star Game's viewership is also the highest since the all-time biggest turnout for the exhibition was secured by ABC in 1976, with 36.3 million viewers. However, it is important to note that this is the second-smallest audience for the Midsummer Classic on record.
The game's historic swing-off tiebreaker finish, where Kyle Schwarber launched all his slow-pitch tosses into the seats, securing a rare victory for the National League, further boosted viewership. The network's highest ASG deliveries were at Safeco Field in 2001, with 16 million viewers.
In the broader historical context, ratings for the MLB All-Star Game have generally been declining compared to previous decades due to changing viewing habits and competition from other sports and entertainment options. However, MLB's All-Star Game still outperforms NBA and NFL All-Star or Pro Bowl games, which drew about 4.7 million viewers.
| Year | Average Viewers (million) | Notes | |-------|---------------------------|------------------------------------| | 2023 | ~7.0 (record low) | Near lowest levels on record | | 2024 | 7.4 | Slightly higher than 2025 | | 2025 | 7.2 | Historic swing-off finish; declined 3% vs. prior year but still strong |
Despite declining ratings from historical highs, the MLB All-Star Game maintains its position as a major televised sporting event with a loyal audience. Ratings declines are consistent with broader trends in live TV viewership across sports.
Collective bargaining between MLB and broadcasters could potentially increase advertising revenue for future All-Star Games, as the 2023 event drew a record-breaking 6.7 million viewers on ESPN. In sports like baseball, where viewership can significantly impact negotiations, a stronger partnership between MLB and broadcasting networks could lead to more innovative game formats, such as the Home Run Derby-style tie-breaker format used in the 2023 All-Star Game.
