Rai2 Scores Big with Live Basketball Broadcast
Rai2’s live broadcast of teh Vuelle-Fortitudo game on Sunday afternoon proved to be a resounding success, captivating a meaningful audience and showcasing the growing popularity of Italian basketball.
According to recent Auditel data, the National Basketball League matchup drew an average of 178,000 viewers, reaching a total of 1.1 million individuals. This translated to a 1.6% share of the viewing audience, with numbers climbing even higher in the second half, peaking at 193,000 viewers and a 1.7% share.
The game, strategically placed within Rai2’s afternoon sports programming, benefited from a high-profile introduction by former Italian captain and current national delegation head, Marco Datome. Rai2 dedicated an impressive 98 minutes to the live broadcast from Pesaro, making it the second-longest program of the day, only surpassed by “Cinema Rai2″ and exceeding the airtime allotted to the popular ”Domenica Sportiva.”
this impressive viewership places the Vuelle-Fortitudo game as the third most-watched free-to-air basketball broadcast of 2024, trailing only two championship final matches between Milan and Virtus. Notably, the Italian A2 league also secured spots in the top rankings, with Trieste-Cantù’s Game 3 promotion final (6th place) and Fortitudo Bologna-Trapani Shark’s Game 4 final (12th place) both broadcast on RaiSport.
Francesco Maiorana, President of the LNP, expressed his delight with the results, stating, “This was a record-breaking day for us, both in terms of seasonal viewership and Auditel ratings. This achievement is a testament to the fruitful collaboration we’ve cultivated with Rai over the past year and a half, which has provided us with the invaluable platform of Rai2. While RaiSport remains our primary home, offering us even more airtime than last year, we are incredibly proud to have showcased a full live game, allowing all Italian basketball enthusiasts to experience the excitement of the sport during this crucial phase. This collaboration has enabled a wider national audience to witness the captivating spectacle of the game, with its passionate 8,000-strong crowd.”
A Slam Dunk for Italian Basketball: An Interview with Coach Roberto Vecchi
The recent Rai2 broadcast of the Vuelle-Fortitudo game sent shockwaves through the Italian basketball community, racking up notable viewership numbers and generating meaningful buzz.Today, we’re joined by Coach Roberto vecchi, a veteran Italian basketball coach with over two decades of experiance, to dissect this landmark achievement.
Moderator: coach vecchi, welcome to the show! The Vuelle-Fortitudo game drew an astonishing 178,000 average viewers, peaking at 193,000 during the second half. Did these numbers surprise you, and what do they signify for the future of Italian basketball?
Coach Vecchi: Thank you for having me. Honestly, I wasn’t entirely surprised by the numbers. We’ve seen a steady increase in interest in Italian basketball, notably at the league level.
This success speaks volumes about the growing popularity of the LBA, not just among die-hard fans but also among a wider audience.
Moderator: You mentioned a wider audience. Rai2 dedicated almost two hours to the Vuelle-Fortitudo game,making it the second longest program of the day. This strategic placement undoubtedly contributed to the viewership, wouldn’t you say?
Coach Vecchi: Absolutely. Rai2 recognizing the value of basketball and giving it such a prominent slot on their schedule is a major coup for the sport. This kind of exposure can onyl help accelerate the growth of the LBA, bringing in new fans and attracting sponsors.
Moderator: There seems to be a resurgence of passion for Italian basketball.Does this energized atmosphere extend beyond the television screens,impacting arenas and local communities?
Coach Vecchi: without a doubt.You see it in the crowds — the passionate 8,000 fans who turned up for this game are a testament to that.This enthusiasm translates to youth leagues, to community centres, and ultimately, to a stronger grassroots basketball movement.
moderator: The article highlights that the Vuelle-Fortitudo game was the third most watched free-to-air basketball broadcast of 2024, trailing only two Milan vs. Virtus finals. This suggests a significant shift towards embracing more diverse narratives within Italian basketball.
Coach Vecchi: I couldn’t agree more. Seeing games beyond the conventional powerhouses like Milan and Virtus gaining such traction signifies a positive evolution. This broader appeal showcases the depth of talent and competitiveness across the LBA, creating a more engaging and unpredictable league.
Moderator: Coach Vecchi, your insights have been invaluable. To our readers, what are your thoughts on this momentous occasion for Italian basketball? Share your comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
this significant boost in viewership opens a new chapter for Italian basketball.
