It’s no secret that NBA ratings have fallen on hard times.
Stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant are on the verge of their future Hall of Fame career, and emerging players like Anthony Edwards, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant have yet to really catch the attention of the wider basketball audience.
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The head coach of St. John’s Red Storm Rick Pitino shouts instructions during the first half against the Bryant University Bulldogs at Carnesecca Arena on Dec 11, 2024 in Queens, New York. (Photos by Wendell Cruz-Imagn)
Rick Pitino, the current St. Louis men’s basketball coach. John, the former head coach of the Boston Celtics, gave his two cents on how to increase ratings.
“It’s been reported that NBA ratings are down 28% this year alone,” he wrote in a post to X on Wednesday. “Suggestion, bring back hand testing and more physicality. The players are very strong, very fast, and they are already amazing shooters.”
Everyone and their mother seems to have an idea as to why this game can attract as many fans as it once did. An increase in 3-point shooting, stars deciding against playing overnight and fan interest elsewhere during the regular season have all been cited as possible factors.
The head coach of St. John’s Red Storm Rick Pitino at Carnesecca Arena on Nov. 30, 2024 in Queens, New York. (Photos by Wendell Cruz-Imagn)
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver seemed to agree with the latter.
“We’re almost at the point where people are watching more broadcast shows than traditional television,” Silver told The Athletic. “And this is the reason why in our new television contracts, which will come into effect next year, all the games will be available on the broadcast service.
“And as we’re moving into a broadcast service, putting aside how the actual game is played on the ground, it’s going to allow us from a production standpoint to do all kinds of things that you can’t do with traditional television. All kinds of new functionality, all kinds of new options and screens that are available.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver arrives before the WNBA All Star Game at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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“Most people are fed by the media, not personally. So we have to pay more attention.”
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