The new NBA season began with several intense games; however, the viewership was lower than anticipated. This prompted concerns among NBA officials, who started investigating the reasons behind the decline in viewership. Previously, former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal shared his thoughts on the diminishing fan interest in the league. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has also expressed his perspective on the matter.
In an episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” O’Neal presented a peculiar theory regarding the NBA’s declining viewership. He argued that the shift in playstyle, which primarily emphasizes three-point shooting, is responsible for decreased viewers. However, Silver contradicted O’Neal’s perspective and offered an unexpected explanation in a recent interview with Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with the three-point shot. I think we’re just looking at a couple weeks of ratings. There’s always some unique things. This year we were up against the World Series, Dodgers-Yankees, two very attractive teams, they brought in a big audience. You had a presidential election which was commanding an enormous amount of attention. So I don’t think it has anything whatsoever to do with the style of play on the floor,” Silver said.
Adam Silver believes the World Series and the election played a role in the NBA’s low ratings to start the season
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 19, 2024
“I think we’re just looking at a couple weeks of ratings, there’s always some unique things, this year we were up against a World Series … you had a presidential… pic.twitter.com/TDus1qVtll
Silver suggests that the World Series and the election significantly contributed to the NBA’s lower ratings at the start of the season.
Adam Silver Emphasizes The League’s Worldwide Influence
The 2024-25 NBA season showcased several landmark events within the league. Fans had the opportunity to observe the first father-son duo in NBA history as Bronny James took the court alongside his father, LeBron James. These unprecedented occurrences have bolstered confidence in the NBA’s global presence. Commissioner Adam Silver noted that the league continues to represent one of the most significant brands worldwide.
“We compare ourselves to, frankly, the biggest brands in the world. Two years ago, we were one of the top five search terms on Google globally—the NBA, its teams, its players. I feel it’s almost too limiting to compare us to another sports league.” Silver said.
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Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry recently missed several games due to injury. However, upon his return, it was reported that NBA viewership experienced a substantial increase. The presence of high-profile athletes such as Curry and James continues to attract fans, ensuring that audiences remain engaged with the league.
