Fewer people Watch the NBA than in previous years, including some of the most prominent names in the sport.
Ratings for NBA games on ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV It was down 25% as of Saturdayaccording to Sports Media Watch, and there are several ideas being floated as to why.
The three-pointer trend and lack of defense are the two main factors observers point to.
It has become clear that players are resting more than they used to and that the regular season has been watered down in recent years.
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Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzola reacts during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden in Boston on October 28, 2024. (Paul Rutherford/Imagine Images)
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzola Asked about the drop in ratings, one would think the defending champions' coach would defend his game. But this was not the case.
“Added to that, I don't watch NBA games. I'm a problem like everyone else,” Mazzola admitted, adding that he “would rather watch something else.”
“I don't like watching matches.”
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzola during the second half at TD Garden on January 19, 2023 in Boston. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Former NBA coach Rick Pitino pitches an idea to help evaluations
NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently cited the “decline of cable TV” as a factor in the ratings decline.
“Our young audience doesn't subscribe to cable, and these fans don't find our games,” he said.
The NBA attempted to revamp the regular season by adding the NBA Cup, which ended this week with a win for the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas. However, most fans don't take the NBA Cup seriously despite the money at stake.
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzola and forward Jayson Tatum (0) on the sideline as they face the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden in Boston on January 19, 2024. (David Butler II/USA Today Sports)
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It's worth noting that TV ratings for men's college basketball and the NHL are also down 21% and 28%, respectively, from last season. Women's college basketball also declined by 38%, however Caitlin Clark He also drew historical numbers that were bound to decline.
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