NBA's Hilariously Ironic Dilemma

[auroraave]

How's this for comedy - OKC vs Indiana in the finals. Will this be the least watched finals in history? Couldn't happen to a worse run criminal enterprise.

[mostonmike]

Spiraling the drain? lol... It's true,, interest in the NBA in the Philippines is off the hook, it's like the NFL in America but I think there's more actual engagement. There are courts set up everywhere constantly in use by basketball players. The NBA is on the verge of a sports business that internationally could rival soccer. Just thinking about it, that's the comparison, the world is not going to embrace baseball or football anytime soon but basketball, it's on the way to challenging soccer as a universal sport and the NBA is in control of the product. Business wise it could be pretty remarkable.

There's your 40%, that was a valid number

Recently, I spoke with someone from the Philippines whose voice trembled with genuine enthusiasm as he discussed Chauncey Billups and the 2004 Detroit Pistons—his devotion to a team playing half a world away was palpable. This global passion stands in stark contrast to the American market, where NBA television ratings have declined 5-7% this season, following an alarming 42% drop early in the broadcast schedule.

American fans increasingly complain about the proliferation of three-pointers, the controversial practice of load management, and a perception that the game has grown soft. While these familiar criticisms persist, they represent only a fragment of the larger narrative. As American interest wanes, the NBA’s international presence continues to expand dramatically. European viewership is surging, China remains deeply invested despite political tensions, and basketball fever has spread to unexpected corners like Anguilla. The league hasn’t merely expanded—it has evolved into a global powerhouse. This raises an intriguing question: does diminishing American interest even matter when the world has become so thoroughly invested?

https://sportsepreneur.com/nba-global-t ... 20Anguilla.

Can't say I've seen one recently but it use to be you could still spot a jeepney painted in tribute to the supersonics. It was kinda fun, the connection it made with a jeepney driver a half a world away

I think I have to completely disagree with the point about how big the NBA is worldwide. In Europe in particular, the games are played in the middle of the night - very few will be staying up until 2:00am / 2:30am on the continent here to tune in to the finals. There is probably an argument that TikTok/YouTube and X clips are projecting its popularity to a level that creates a perception that it is growing and is popular.

Social media is playing a role in this so-called surge in popularity. Its distorting the argument massively. An NBA clip may get bigger views than a Premier League or Champions League soccer game on social - but never compare any sport to soccer for popularity in Europe. Soccer is more popular than eating and drinking combined. Then there is a gap of almost infinite proportions before the next most popular sport comes along.

I am sure there are some countries out there where it is really taking off - in the Philippines, for example games are on at breakfast time. In Australia probably around lunchtime. That will definitely help with viewership, but mainland Europe I just don't see it.

NFL on the on the other hand is on a monumental spell of popularity growth. And again its because of the times the games are broadcast - 6pm (7pm CET) and 9pm (10pm CET) are primetime slots for the Sunday afternoon games - with NFL sports bars springing up all over the place now. Around 4 million watch the Super Bowl in the UK, 2 million in Germany which is incredible for a game which starts close to midnight in those two countries.

When they finally locate a team over here, it could take the NFL to stratospheric levels, but just having the London Knights or Berlin Thunder could actually undo their potential, which is why they probably haven't done it yet.

[DanielVogelbach]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hlusNt6VTss

[DanielVogelbach]

https://x.com/pitlessball/status/1930848298178335079

[DanielVogelbach]

The 2025 NBA Playoffs have seen significant increases in TV ratings compared to previous years. As of the second round, NBA playoff games are averaging 3.85 million viewers across ABC, ESPN, ESPNU, TNT, and NBA TV, marking a 2% increase from the previous year and the second-highest average since 2014.
Excluding ESPNU and NBA TV, the average rises to 4.17 million viewers, a 3% increase from last year.

ESPN platforms (ESPN and ABC) have experienced even greater growth, with an average of 4.88 million viewers through the Conference Semifinals, marking a 12% increase from last year and making it the second-most watched NBA Playoffs since 2011.
Notably, Game 7 of the Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder series on ABC averaged 6.34 million viewers, while Game 6 between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks on ESPN averaged 5.73 million viewers.

The opening weekend of the 2025 NBA Playoffs was particularly strong, delivering the most-watched opening weekend in 25 years, with an average of 4.4 million viewers, marking a 17% increase from the previous year.

These figures reflect the growing interest in the NBA Playoffs, despite a general decline in overall TV usage.

[DanielVogelbach]

Game 1 ratings aren't out yet, but it was an all time classic game with Halliburton hitting a game winner in the 4th quarter after they were down 15 points. It was in OKC and a crowd stunner.

The Curse of the Sonics might prevail. Guy on Indiana hit a bank shot 3 pointer during the comeback... so lucky.... could be the curse!

[DanielVogelbach]

NBA Finals Game 1 Ratings

Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder drew the lowest TV ratings in over three decades, averaging a 4.7 rating and 8.91 million viewers on ABC.
This marks a significant decline from the previous year's Game 1 between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, which had a 5.7 rating and 10.99 million viewers.

Additional Details:

Comparison to Previous Years: The 2025 Game 1 ratings are lower than the 2020 Game 1 between the Miami Heat and LA Lakers, which had a 4.1 rating and 7.69 million viewers, and the 2021 Game 1 between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, which had a 4.5 rating and 8.70 million viewers.
Impact of Small Markets: Concerns about the small-market nature of the teams (Indiana and Oklahoma City) were cited as potential factors affecting the ratings.

Positive Notes: Despite the low ratings, the game reached 11 million viewers by the time Tyrese Haliburton made the game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds left, and there was strong viewership among the 18-to-34-year-old demographic.
Future Outlook: There is hope that the ratings could improve as the series progresses, especially given the thrilling nature of Game 1.

[Donn Beach]

Spiraling the drain? lol... It's true,, interest in the NBA in the Philippines is off the hook, it's like the NFL in America but I think there's more actual engagement. There are courts set up everywhere constantly in use by basketball players. The NBA is on the verge of a sports business that internationally could rival soccer. Just thinking about it, that's the comparison, the world is not going to embrace baseball or football anytime soon but basketball, it's on the way to challenging soccer as a universal sport and the NBA is in control of the product. Business wise it could be pretty remarkable.

There's your 40%, that was a valid number

Recently, I spoke with someone from the Philippines whose voice trembled with genuine enthusiasm as he discussed Chauncey Billups and the 2004 Detroit Pistons—his devotion to a team playing half a world away was palpable. This global passion stands in stark contrast to the American market, where NBA television ratings have declined 5-7% this season, following an alarming 42% drop early in the broadcast schedule.

American fans increasingly complain about the proliferation of three-pointers, the controversial practice of load management, and a perception that the game has grown soft. While these familiar criticisms persist, they represent only a fragment of the larger narrative. As American interest wanes, the NBA’s international presence continues to expand dramatically. European viewership is surging, China remains deeply invested despite political tensions, and basketball fever has spread to unexpected corners like Anguilla. The league hasn’t merely expanded—it has evolved into a global powerhouse. This raises an intriguing question: does diminishing American interest even matter when the world has become so thoroughly invested?

https://sportsepreneur.com/nba-global-t ... 20Anguilla.

Can't say I've seen one recently but it use to be you could still spot a jeepney painted in tribute to the supersonics. It was kinda fun, the connection it made with a jeepney driver a half a world away

I think I have to completely disagree with the point about how big the NBA is worldwide. In Europe in particular, the games are played in the middle of the night - very few will be staying up until 2:00am / 2:30am on the continent here to tune in to the finals. There is probably an argument that TikTok/YouTube and X clips are projecting its popularity to a level that creates a perception that it is growing and is popular.

Social media is playing a role in this so-called surge in popularity. Its distorting the argument massively. An NBA clip may get bigger views than a Premier League or Champions League soccer game on social - but never compare any sport to soccer for popularity in Europe. Soccer is more popular than eating and drinking combined. Then there is a gap of almost infinite proportions before the next most popular sport comes along.

I am sure there are some countries out there where it is really taking off - in the Philippines, for example games are on at breakfast time. In Australia probably around lunchtime. That will definitely help with viewership, but mainland Europe I just don't see it.

NFL on the on the other hand is on a monumental spell of popularity growth. And again its because of the times the games are broadcast - 6pm (7pm CET) and 9pm (10pm CET) are primetime slots for the Sunday afternoon games - with NFL sports bars springing up all over the place now. Around 4 million watch the Super Bowl in the UK, 2 million in Germany which is incredible for a game which starts close to midnight in those two countries.

When they finally locate a team over here, it could take the NFL to stratospheric levels, but just having the London Knights or Berlin Thunder could actually undo their potential, which is why they probably haven't done it yet.

Sorry but everything I read has the NBA better positioned for growth in Europe than the NFL. When I asked AI this is what I'm told.

In Europe, the NBA is generally considered more popular than the NFL. While the NFL has gained a following, especially in the UK, the NBA's global appeal and basketball's widespread popularity make it the more established and dominant American sport in Europe.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
NBA's Global Appeal:
The NBA has a strong international following due to its international stars, marketing efforts, and the global popularity of basketball itself. Many European players have achieved significant success in the NBA, further boosting its popularity.
Basketball's Ubiquity:
Basketball is a popular sport in Europe, with many people playing it recreationally and at a competitive level. This grassroots participation contributes to a wider understanding and appreciation of the NBA.
NFL's Growing Presence:
While the NFL is gaining popularity in Europe, especially in countries like the UK, it's still considered a niche sport compared to basketball. The NFL's efforts to promote its international series and expand its reach in Europe are ongoing, but the NBA's established global following gives it a significant advantage.
NFL's Focus on the US:
The NFL remains heavily focused on the US market, with a smaller percentage of international players compared to the NBA. This makes it less globally appealing than the NBA, which has a significant international presence.

Yeah, the NBA is promoting their social media platforms, and they are monetizing them, it's not about viewing games live, it's video views. The NBA is becoming europeanized, significant percentage of it's most popular players are European, the way the game is played now has become more European.

It's measured in video views

Top 10 most-viewed players

LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers): 1.9B views
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors): 1.7B views
Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs): 1.3B views
Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks): 1.2B views
Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks): 662M views
Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets): 618M views
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves): 569M views
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks): 558M views
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics): 504M views
Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns): 476M views

Europe has its own basketball, FIBA, the thing is if you're a FIBA basketball fan you are most likely a NBA fan as well no matter how you receive content. Soccer of course is vastly more popular but, and correct me if I'm wrong there isn't a particular European soccer league that dominates soccer the way the NBA dominates basketball.

Finally I would think the NBA competition in Europe would be the NHL rather than the NFL. Off the top of my head, if we are talking Russia and eastern Europe that the NHL would be the more popular. AI doesn't agree

In summary, while the NHL has a loyal following in certain European countries, the NBA's broader appeal and global marketing efforts make it the more popular league overall.

[mostonmike]

Interesting perspective Donn.

It is all about those eyes on social views, I guess. If that's the measure of growth then fair enough. NFL does appear to be getting huge swathes of actual dedicated fans who follow teams in the way you guys do. As I said earlier, the NFL bars are packed every week but I suppose that really isn't what is driving growth.

Maybe that's the difference I am seeing and experiencing? It feels different to what the data there is saying.

It's the Premier League in England that dominates viewership and the comparisons on the "growth of soccer in the USA" is exactly the same argument as the growth of NBA in Europe.

FIBA - no idea about it. I guess that's as popular as MLS. How many Americans are engaged with MLS? FIBA is probably the same in Europe. A relatively niche audience, but as I say no idea.

[Donn Beach]

Interesting perspective Donn.

It is all about those eyes on social views, I guess. If that's the measure of growth then fair enough. NFL does appear to be getting huge swathes of actual dedicated fans who follow teams in the way you guys do. As I said earlier, the NFL bars are packed every week but I suppose that really isn't what is driving growth.

Maybe that's the difference I am seeing and experiencing? It feels different to what the data there is saying.

It's the Premier League in England that dominates viewership and the comparisons on the "growth of soccer in the USA" is exactly the same argument as the growth of NBA in Europe.

FIBA - no idea about it. I guess that's as popular as MLS. How many Americans are engaged with MLS? FIBA is probably the same in Europe. A relatively niche audience, but as I say no idea.

Yeah, American style football and the NFL is popular in England, and Germany as I understand it. But how many NFL MVPs has England actually produced? I don't think you are grasping the significance of the relationship between Europe and the NBA. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, he has won the NBA MVP three times, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks has won it twice, those two are currently the NBA's premier players. Then there are guys like Victor Wembanyama, the number one pick in the draft two seasons ago that is considered the future face of the NBA. This isn't about watching it on TV, this is about playing it, getting good at it, dominating basketball at its highest level, the NBA and actually changing its very nature.

this article is seven years old, its not taking into account the European players of today

Put simply, the European game has style.

And with ever-increasing numbers of foreign players making their way to the NBA, that style has been a welcome addition to a league that still suffers from a bogged-down pace and isolation-heavy sets.

Signs of change are everywhere, though. Take Manu Ginobili, an Argentine who cut his teeth in the Italian league from 1998-2002 before joining the San Antonio Spurs. His creative attacks and unorthodox angles are clear products of the free-flowing European game.

Without Ginobili to provide a blueprint, what would James Harden's game look like today? I'd venture to say the Beard wouldn't be nearly as effective or exciting if he hadn't ever seen Ginobili play.

European basketball has contributed much more than aesthetic style, though. More importantly, its team-first culture has helped offset AAU basketball's disastrous effects on the NBA.

These players aren't dropping out of of the sky, they are being produced by the basketball systems in their respective countries. You will have a hard time convincing me there isn't a lot of interest in basketball in Europe when its producing some of the best players in the world, and influencing the very nature of how the game is played. I really do not think there is a comparison to the NFL or the MLS

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/176 ... me-forever