The NBA has faced a notable decline in viewership this season, raising concerns among fans. As the league looks to expand its fanbase and address the rising costs of operations, solutions are being explored to keep the NBA’s popularity on par with other major sports leagues.
One of the most significant developments this season is Amazon’s acquisition of media rights to NBA games. The move signifies the league’s commitment to innovative broadcast strategies, but it also brings new challenges. Both Amazon and the NBA are reportedly working together to tackle the issue of declining viewership.
A key area of focus appears to be the NBA’s in-season tournament. According to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, Amazon and the NBA are in “active discussions” about moving the tournament to a later date in the season. The goal is to align the tournament with the conclusion of the NFL season, potentially giving basketball more prominence when football wraps up its schedule.
REPORT: Amazon and the NBA are in “active discussions” on moving the In-Season Tournament back later in schedule to sync with the end of the NFL season.
(via @MikeVorkunov) pic.twitter.com/8yRsTn33Zl
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 20, 2024
“Amazon and the NBA are in ‘active discussions’ on moving the In-Season Tournament back later in the schedule to sync with the end of the NFL season,” Vorkunov reported.
Shaquille O’Neal Criticizes NBA’s Emphasis On 3-Point Shooting
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has weighed in on the recent decline in NBA viewership, blaming it on the league’s growing focus on 3-point shooting. Speaking on his “Big Podcast” this week, Shaq shared his frustration with what he sees as a lack of variety in today’s basketball strategies.
“It’s down because we’re looking at the same thing. Everybody is running the same plays. Steph Curry and those guys messed it up. I don’t mind Golden State back in the day shooting threes, but every team isn’t a 3-point shooter. So why everybody has the same strategy? I think it makes the game boring,” Shaq said.
The league has shifted toward an analytics-driven style of play, and teams are now prioritizing 3-pointers more than before. While this approach has brought excitement and high-scoring games, critics like Shaq argue that it has also led to a less dynamic product on the court.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Also Read: Adam Silver Blames Dodgers-Yankees World Series And Elections For NBA’s Low Ratings This Season
