The 2014 NBA Draft on ESPN delivered a 3.1 overnight rating, the highest-rated NBA Draft ever on ESPN, according to Nielsen. The Draft was up 19 percent compared to last year’s telecast, which posted a 2.6 overnight rating. The Draft peaked at a 3.9 rating from both 8:15-8:30 and 8:30-8:45 p.m. ET.
The previous NBA Draft record on ESPN was a 2.7 overnight rating in 2003 – the first year ESPN televised the event – which featured the historic Draft class of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh.
2014 NBA Draft on ESPN
| Top Markets | Local Rating |
| Louisville | 7.1 |
| Oklahoma City | 6.3 |
| Memphis | 5.4 |
| Raleigh-Durham | 5.2 |
| Cleveland | 5.1 |
| Greensboro | 5.0 |
| Philadelphia | 4.1 |
| Miami-Ft. Lauderdale | 4.1 |
| Salt Lake City | 4.1 |
| San Antonio | 4.0 |