Despite the 2018 World Series featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, two of the most prominent teams in sports, this year’s series has struggled to draw an audience. After two games with disappointing ratings, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred weighed in on the decline in viewership.
According to Yahoo Sports, Game 1 of the World Series drew an 8.2 rating and 13.76 million viewers, the lowest total since 2014. Game 2 also drew lower ratings than Game 2 broadcasts for the previous three years.
In response to the declined ratings, similar to the Kansas City Royals-San Francisco Giants matchup in 2014, Manfred said the league is frustrated with the results and it is being investigated.
“We’re looking hard at it and haven’t isolated a cause,” Manfred said, via SportsBusinessJournal.
This is extremely problematic for the league, especially since this was a dream World Series matchup for the league and FOX Sports. Instead, it’s drawing some of the worst ratings in years.
One big issue might be the length of games this October, which is compounded by late start times (8:10 p.m. EST). Game 1 lasted nearly four hours, and paired with long commercial breaks, fans just may not be interested in watching the Dodgers and Red Sox for four hours.
As MLB continues to explore potential solutions, earlier game times and new methods to shorten game must become an increased focus. The only thing that can help the league and network now is if the series stretches to six or seven games. If it ends in a sweep or Boston wins in five games, this will be a nightmare postseason for MLB and its commissioner.