The 2025 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays reportedly drew 25.9 million viewers on FOX, eclipsing June’s NBA Finals Game 7 showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, which drew just 16.4 million on ABC. This 58 percent gap has begun a widespread dialogue among sports fans and analysts, with people asking different questions. Is this an indication of the growing popularity of MLB, the diminishing product of NBA basketball, or both? Scheduling fortune may have played a factor in the Dodgers-Blue Jays Game 7 viewership spike, as it was the first World Series Game 7 on a Saturday since 1931. But there are other, more relevant variables to consider, such as the intriguing narrative of the Dodgers chasing a repeat title, a feat not achieved since the New York Yankees’ late-1990s dynasty. Moreover, the team’s global brand, amplified by Shohei Ohtani, turned the matchup into a cultural event. Story continues below advertisement At what point can we say that MLB has passed the NBA for the number two spot of the four major sports, or are we already there?— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) November 3, 2025 Then there’s this Blue Jays team, which captivated all of Toronto and ignited a baseball resurgence in Canada and beyond. Their return to the World Series for the first time since 1993 sparked massive northern interest. The “David vs. Goliath” nature of the series (though inaccurate, as the Blue Jays have one of the league’s highest payrolls) also drew attention — many fans lacking a personal stake in the game wanted to see the mighty Dodgers fall. Beyond the above narratives, the series’ sheer drama played a pivotal role. This was simply great theater, including an 18-inning classic in Game 3. Story continues below advertisement The entertainment level of the World Series has highlighted some of the viewer-friendly improvements MLB has made in recent years, most notably the pitch clock, which has sped up the game and made it more enjoyable for fans. This stands in stark contrast to some critiques of the NBA’s product, which some feel has become plagued by three-point barrages and foul-baiting nonsense. At the end of the day, the main takeaway here is that MLB baseball is thriving at the moment. America’s pastime still packs the stands—and the screens — and it’s shown an ability to evolve through different eras of history and remain one of the most entertaining sporting events to watch at the highest level. Story continues below advertisement