The start of the 2024-25 NBA season has seen a concerning dip in television ratings, raising questions about why fans are tuning out. While many have speculated about the quality of the game, former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas offers a refreshingly straightforward explanation that it’s the rising cost and complexity of watching the games that’s driving fans away.
“It’s expensive to watch games now,” Arenas said on his podcast Gil’s Arena. “They used to be free. So you gotta buy cable for your own teams, and then you have to buy League Pass to get the League Pass stuff.” The price of NBA League Pass, which used to be an easy way for fans to access games, has jumped to $109.99 per season, with the premium version costing $159.99. But even that doesn’t guarantee access due to local blackout restrictions, forcing fans to pay for cable, which can cost $60+ per month.
Adding to the complexity, nationally televised games are available only through additional streaming services like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV. This means fans are now expected to juggle multiple subscriptions just to watch their favorite teams. Arenas summed it up: “So what ends up happening is the distribution of games now… they’re harder to find. The NBA, money-wise, perfect for you, but for the viewers, you’re f***ed us.”
This distribution issue has pushed many fans toward illegal streaming, which doesn’t contribute to official ratings but provides a cheaper alternative. Despite the league’s growing profitability, escalating costs and complicated access methods are key factors in the NBA’s viewership struggles.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Perspective And The Bigger Picture
While Arenas’ theory focuses on the economic barriers, former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal offers another perspective, suggesting the three-point revolution has led to fan fatigue. “We keep seeing the same patterns and plays; it’s monotonous,” said Shaq, referencing the league’s growing reliance on three-pointers. While his argument expresses a shift in the game, Arenas’ insights into the financial side are ones fans can relate to.
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The NBA’s growing reliance on multiple platforms and the rise of illegal streaming highlight a fundamental issue—high prices prevent fans from enjoying the game. The NBA’s current approach may bring in profit but risks alienating its core audience if it doesn’t reevaluate the distribution model. As Gilbert Arenas perfectly puts it, the current system is not working for the viewers.
Finding a way to make games more accessible and affordable may be the key to reversing this troubling trend for the NBA. Until that happens, rising costs will continue to keep many fans on the sidelines.
