A lot of fans tuned in for Tuesday’s exciting MLB All-Star Game. It gathered an impressive 7.2 million viewers, making it the most-watched All-Star event in sports history. In contrast, the NBA All-Star Game in 2025 only attracted about 4.7 million viewers, while the Pro Bowl Games matched that figure. This shows baseball’s strong engagement compared to other sports.
This year’s game was particularly thrilling. It ended in a tie at six runs after nine innings. For the first time, the league decided to settle the tie with a Home Run Derby-style swing-off. Each team picked three players who took three swings each to see who could hit the most home runs.
The National League chose Kyle Stowers, Kyle Schwarber, and Pete Alonso. The American League had Brent Rooker, Randy Arozarena, and Jonathan Aranda. Schwarber stole the show, hitting home runs with all three swings and leading the NL to victory. Fans and players alike stood in excitement as the action unfolded.
This year’s game had a dramatic comeback, too. The American League overcame a 6-0 deficit, tying the game in the ninth with an infield single from Steven Kwan. However, they couldn’t capitalize in the tiebreaker.
Despite not getting a hit during the actual game, Schwarber was named MVP for his clutch performance in the swing-off. With the game’s thrilling conclusion, fans left feeling energized, and the unique ending will likely be remembered for years.
According to a recent survey, many viewers prefer the excitement of unexpected happenings in games, indicating that tiebreakers like this could enhance viewer engagement. In a time when sports viewership is crucial for networks, these innovations can make a significant impact.
For more insights on sports viewership trends, you can check the recent analysis of sports ratings trends on Sports Business Journal.