Most people agree that the NBA has a level of talent rarely ever seen before.
Unfortunately, all of that talent isn’t translating into big television ratings.
According to Awful Announcing, via NBACentral, the league is experiencing a bit of a rough patch with viewers.
For example, this season’s opening doubleheader on ESPN received 1.6 million viewers, which is down 42% from 2023.
A game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers received 1.71 million viewers, which is much lower than the 2.55 million the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks received in 2023.
Meanwhile, TNT’s games have earned fewer viewers too, with their first Thursday night match between the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs only getting 1.45 million viewers, which is down 29% from last year.
Is the NBA in trouble?
Viewership in the NBA has been declining, per @awfulannouncing:
• ESPN’s Opening Doubleheader:
•Averaged 1.6 million viewers, down 42% from 2023’s debut with Victor Wembanyama.• Bucks vs. 76ers: 1.71 million viewers (down from 2.55 million for Celtics vs. Knicks in 2023).… pic.twitter.com/qAIJCCaXrp
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 30, 2024
It is concerning to see that viewership is down across multiple networks, which suggests it’s not the fault of a particular channel.
Some fans will remind others this is just the beginning of the season and it’s always hard to get a lot of viewers at this time of year because there is so much competition.
There are multiple sports leagues broadcasting right now which means the NBA’s season might not get as much attention.
Things could change in the months ahead.
But there is no doubt that Adam Silver is looking at these numbers and wondering what he can do about them.
He has big plans for the league but they won’t be possible if people aren’t watching.
How can the NBA build viewership?
Last season, they introduced the NBA Cup, which was supposed to generate buzz.
What other ideas does Silver have up his sleeves to boost sluggish viewership numbers?
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