The NBA TV ratings are dipping down, and Charles Barkley has an idea. Why not let’s consider starting the season on Christmas Day? Well, it was likely that he would get some instant reactions against him for his solution. In an interview with Dan Patrick, Barkley recalled the successful 2011-2012 season, which saw the NBA commence its regular season on Christmas due to a lockout.
Barkley argued that competing against the dominant NFL and college football on weekends is a strategic misstep. “The best ratings we’ve ever had was the year we went on strike and started on Christmas. I think we need to seriously consider starting at Christmas because you are wasting your time going up against the NFL and college football. They own the weekends now,” Charles Barkley said.
Charles Barkley thinks the NBA should consider starting the season on Christmas Day:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 21, 2024
“The best ratings we've ever had was the year we went on strike and started on Christmas. I think we need to seriously consider starting at Christmas because you are wasting your time going up… pic.twitter.com/bu73PFCGqE
Chucks pointed out that the NBA could capture the sports spotlight if it began its season when those sports wind down. The rationale behind Barkley’s proposal extends beyond simply avoiding competition. By starting the NBA season on Christmas, the league could establish a unique identity and fan engagement strategy.
However, while the idea is compelling, implementing such a change would not be straightforward. The NBA’s current media agreements and collective bargaining agreement run through the 2029-2030 season. Despite the NFL’s recent expansions into the Christmas space, the NBA could still reclaim its place as a holiday staple.
Charles Barkley Got The Internet Talking By His Suggestion
The former NBA superstar’s suggestion to start the NBA season on Christmas Day rather than its traditional October start is not going well. Barkley has got the whole internet talking.
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“Sure, watching disgruntled, spoiled, & overweight players coming back to the court on the day of baby Jesus birthday. How can it go wrong?!” an unpleased fan wrote.
Sure, watching disgruntled, spoiled, & overweight players coming back to the court on the day of baby Jesus birthday. How can it go wrong ?!
— Mando (@MANDOP23) December 21, 2024
“My unsolicited opinion on the NBA ratings discourse, namely the “82 games is too long argument: This wasn’t an issue during the 73-9 Warriors season (when every single game mattered in pursuit of said record) or the 2011-2014 Heatles era (LeBron villain+redemption arc). What binds these two together is storylines, narratives,” another fan suggested.
My unsolicited opinion on the NBA ratings discourse, namely the “82 games is too long argument:
— Ezekiel Bread Advocate (@_therealdeal__) December 22, 2024
This wasn’t an issue during the 73-9 Warriors season (when every single game mattered in pursuit of said record) or the 2011-2014 Heatles era (LeBron villain+redemption arc).
What…
“He’s not wrong. NBA would be better competing with baseball in the summer,” a user agreed.
He’s not wrong. NBA would be better competing with baseball in the summer
— 💬 (@BDR1ZZZYYY) December 21, 2024
“Basketball can’t compete with college and pro football. I love the NBA but there’s no way I’m watching it right now. That comes after the Super Bowl,” another fan wrote.
Basketball can’t compete with college and pro football. I love the NBA but there’s no way I’m watching it right now. That comes after the Super Bowl.
— Ryan Kelley (@RyanKelleyOnX) December 21, 2024
“He’s got a point about competing with football but this is never gonna happen,” a fan reacted.
He's got a point about competing with football but this is never gonna happen
— The Sports Betting Guy (@BackthroughMusk) December 21, 2024
“One of the reasons the ratings are down btw lol these dudes be saying anything,” a user added.
One of the reasons the ratings are down btw lol these dudes be saying anything
— Jay (@ceolounge_) December 21, 2024
However, most people reacting to his idea do not see the brighter side. The solution to the dramatic 28% drop in viewership could only be resolved by looking the other way around. While Charles Barkley’s suggestion might not be the only option left, the NBA should lace up if it has to get the viewers’ traction back.
