NBA Christmas Games Nearly Erase Season-Long Ratings Deficit

Los Angeles: So, the NBA ratings have been a hot topic lately, right? Everyone’s been buzzing about how low they’ve been this season. Some folks even thought it was a sign of a bigger problem in the league.

People were saying things like fans are tired of all the three-pointers and that the players are just too nice or “woke.” It was a bit over the top, honestly.

Then came Christmas, and wow, did things change! The holiday games pulled in 84% more viewers than last year. It was like a breath of fresh air for the NBA, reminding everyone of the good old days.

One of the standout games was the Lakers vs. Warriors, which had nearly 7.8 million viewers. LeBron and Steph always bring in the crowds, and it’s no surprise they did it again this year.

But here’s the kicker: just a few years back, those same matchups were pulling in even bigger numbers. Back in 2015, they had over 11 million viewers! It’s wild how much the TV landscape has changed since then.

Now, while some people are panicking about the ratings, it’s important to remember that context matters. The NBA’s revenue is actually up 6% this season, which is a good sign.

Plus, the NBA season kicks off when everyone’s busy with other sports, like the NFL. Christmas is when the league really starts to shine on national TV.

And let’s be real, if the ratings dip during the early season, it’s not the end of the world. The real money comes in later when the playoffs roll around.

Looking ahead, the NBA is set to get a boost next year with a new rights deal. More games will be on NBC, which should help bring those numbers back up.

So, while everyone’s been fretting over the ratings, it’s probably not as dire as it seems. And hey, what about the NHL or college basketball? Why is everyone so focused on the NBA right now?