Can we finally dispel the notion that the NBA is on life support and on the verge of collapse? In the early months of the season, hysteria over the league’s lackluster television ratings reached a fever pitch, with criticism peaking higher than ever. Claims suggesting that the three-point shot is ruining the game, uniform playing styles, and load management alienating fans proliferated, alongside concerns about a shortage of young superstars. The negativity was so pervasive that even NBA commissioner Adam Silver proposed 10-minute quarters to make the game more appealing. Meanwhile, constant criticism from their television partners only worsened the situation.
This narrative intensified in February when the NHL hosted the first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off, attracting record audiences for hockey while the NBA showcased a lackluster All-Star weekend featuring Kevin Hart and Mac McClung. The media spun it into a clash between the NBA and NHL, with hockey taking a victory lap, reminiscent of the 1994 sports climate like it was 1994 all over again. However, as the NBA season progressed, the reality of the league’s health began to emerge, indicating that the NBA is doing just fine.
With less than a month left in the regular season, the NBA’s television ratings remain relatively stable, averaging 1.85 million viewers per game. Notably, their flagship property, the NBA on ABC, saw a significant increase compared to last season. Reflecting on the previous headlines regarding the NBA’s decline, it seems we will eventually chuckle at the panic surrounding its perceived demise.
Looking ahead to the postseason, NBA ratings are expected to increase, especially with stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry contending once more, driven by trades that revived their teams. The surprising trade of Luka Dončić injected new energy into the season, and with both teams avoiding play-in games, they may have extended postseason runs ahead. This also offers a chance for the league to cultivate its next star, as budding talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Anthony Edwards face off against enduring legends.
While early-season drops were concerning, patience can reveal trends. The NBA’s coverage mirrors local news, often focusing on drama rather than on-the-court action. Stepping back from the ratings debate quickly reveals that the NBA’s business health is robust. The league recently secured new media deals valued at $76 billion over 11 years with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon, ensuring its success with major companies invested in its future. This partnership guarantees both linear exposure through traditional networks and streaming commitments through platforms like Amazon and Peacock.
Additionally, news emerged Thursday of the Boston Celtics being sold to Bill Chisholm for $6.1 billion, the highest price ever for a professional sports franchise. The NBA also hints at possible expansion with two new franchises likely in Las Vegas and Seattle, signaling economic health. Does this sound like a league in decline, one that needs drastic changes or is experiencing a crisis? If so, it’s worth noting that nearly every other sport aside from the NFL would welcome the “troubles” the NBA faced this season.
