World Series 2016: Cubs, Indians spark TV ratings spike for Game 1

Michael McCarthy

World Series 2016: Cubs, Indians spark TV ratings spike for Game 1 image

The 2016 World Series is off to a strong start as far as attracting a big TV audience.

Game 1 between the Cubs and Indians on Fox Sports drew a 12.6 overnight rating Tuesday night. That's up 20 percent from the 10.5 overnight rating for Game 1 of Mets-Royals in 2015, according to Austin Karp of SportsBusiness Daily, and up a whopping 58 percent from Game 1 of Giants-Royals two years ago.

The Indians' 6-0 win over the Cubs  drew a 46.5 local rating in the Cleveland/Akron TV market vs. a 34.1 in Chicago, where the Cubs are seeking their first championship in 108 years. 

The Game 1 numbers bode well for Fox and MLB. Based on early returns, MLB and Fox appear to be drawing the casual sports fans as well as hard-core baseball fans.

MORE: A-Rod turning into top analyst for Fox

While most of the media attention has surrounded the Cubs, the Indians have their own underdog story as they seek their first championship since 1948.

But the overnight TV ratings for Game 1 of Cubs-Indians, Karp noted, were still below those of Game 1 of the 2009 World Series between the Yankees and Phillies. New York is the country's largest TV market.

MORE: Cleveland the center of sports universe on biggest night ever

MLB and Fox announced the starting time for Wednesday night's Game 2 has been moved up to 7:08 p.m. ET due to a threat of rain at Cleveland's Progressive Field.

Michael McCarthy

Michael McCarthy Photo

Michael McCarthy is an award-winning journalist who covers Sports Meda, Business and Marketing for Sporting News. McCarthy’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC.com, Newsday, USA TODAY and Adweek.