NBA ratings have seen a steady decline for some time now. In particular, compared with the 2023-2024 season, ESPN’s viewership has decreased by 28%, according to Yahoo Sports. There have been a variety of opinions surfacing in recent years in an attempt to unpeel the onion of factors as to why this trend has continued.
Many feel that shooting and the evolution of the three-point shot have led to far less action in the paint, making for a less physical and dull fan experience. The three-pointer is undoubtedly a major component of an offensive playbook. It has become the most highly sought-after play in basketball today. As a result, we regularly witness point totals that hover shy of 150 points per game.
Of course, traditionalists and older fans of the game will point to the level of load management that continues to occur. Some may refer to it as just flat-out “time off” that players seem to be freely offered.
Recently, our Commander-in-Chief has been adamantly vocal about this topic concerning the government, even extending Executive Orders to force people back to work. This has been a point of contention for some time now, and for good reason.
Think of a working-class family of four paying around $500 for second-level seats to see one of the top contending teams. Then consider the feeling of bafflement when a parent tries to explain why their kids’ favorite player didn’t suit up for that game. While an example like this isn’t completely widespread, it does happen often enough to raise some concern.
Some of the game’s superstars take a “laissez-faire” approach that does affect TV ratings. More importantly, that approach helps reinforce the number one reason for this drop: none of the top five players are American.
The ripple effect of this fact is that you won’t get as much debate on shows like First Take on “Who is the best in the game?”. As great as Lebron James has been throughout his 21-year career, he is no longer considered the best active player at this late stage. The top five players in the NBA right now, at this moment are:
This is a phenomenal list; any of these players can lead a team to an NBA Championship. Some will argue that Wembanyama does not belong on this list quite yet. However, anyone who has watched his ascent this season at the age of 21 knows that he is single-handedly carrying his team.
Jokic continues to be the elephant in the room when discussions of “Who is the GOAT?” circulate in any public forum. If we consider who the greatest two-way players of all time might be, and two-way is the emphasis of greatness, they are Jokic and Giannis. This fact does not play well with the American TV market.
It is time to capitalize on the NBA’s potential for global exposure. The league will continue to suffer in ratings if it does not embrace and celebrate that its greatest players come from outside the USA. It would be a mistake to ignore the marketability that a player like SGA or Doncic could have everywhere. It is shameful to completely disregard their greatness in favor of players who are not as deserving of the accolades and attention that the American media tries to grant them. Acknowledge that basketball’s best players come from all over the world. Otherwise, the NBA will only continue to experience a drop in popularity and ratings.
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