AROUND the NBA:

[michaeltex]

I think you have to be careful with viewership information.

The NBA starts the season right in the middle of NFL + CFB + BB playoffs, so nobody other than true fans are really paying attention until after Thanksgiving (in the US, anyway). Now CFB is playing out meaningless bowl games in places like Mobile, AL, or Shreveport, LA (real garden spots, let me say) and few are watching until the playoff games around Jan 1st. NFL has mostly sorted into the good/bad teams and there is little mystery left until playoff time. BB was done (finally) back in early NOV.

Now the NBA gets more visibility. Holidays + winter keeps us indoors more and likely increases entertainment consumption. Plus the sheer volume of alternative sports has tapered off. CBB has started, but nobody is paying that much attention and most won't until it is conference tournament time followed by March Madness ©.

Add into it the expansion of entertainment opportunities clamoring for our attention and it takes real dedication to keep up in the first third of the season. TBH, I sprung for the MAVSTV/League Pass package because I got tired or remembering which streaming service was carrying TNT. It also lets me spend time with the family then watch the replay later that evening.

I do think the ESPN NBA product is sub-par. IMO, Doris Burke is the least interesting analyst out there. JVG made me grit my teeth sometimes, but Doris brings nothing to the table. They need to re-think their strategy and quit firing the experienced guys who know something of the game.

Is there a marketing gap? The world at large know LBJ, Durant and Curry, but they are all at the end of their careers, or close to it. Luka has some recognition here and certainly in Europe. As does Jokic. But who recognizes Ja or SGA or Ant or Tatum outside of NBA fans? Who is next in terms of becoming the "face" of the league that is known beyond the sport?

Sorry for going so long.