The 97th Academy Awards ceremony drew an estimated 19.69 million viewers, delivering a five-year high in total viewers.
Roger Goodell said the NFL is trying to understand the drop in ratings this season but said it is important not just to get viewers tuned in but also to "get them to stay tuned in."
The 2015 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers is the most watched series since 1998, Michael Jordan's last season with the Chicago Bulls.
Despite all the off-the-field issues, including its handling of the Ray Rice assault case, the NFL says viewership numbers show that the masses are still very interested in watching games on television.
Pitching sensation Mo'ne Davis' latest start drew record-setting television viewership for the Little League World Series.
