The NBA is facing strong competition from other sports and events, like the NFL, World Series, and the 2024 Presidential Election. As a result, the league is witnessing a decrease in the number of spectators attending its regular games, despite the competition from top-tier teams.
NBA games are now getting an average of 1.4 million viewers on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, which is 19% less than last year. After the Christmas Day game, Kevin Durant shared his thoughts on this decline.
Kevin Durant, who helped the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 110-100 on Christmas Day, is frustrated with the league’s drop in viewership. He told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, “I want to see people, the viewership. I want to see it get it back up. The league ain’t going nowhere, but we are in a rough patch when it comes to that.”
"We all play a part in why this league is what it is."
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) December 27, 2024
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant said fans blame players for a decline in NBA TV ratings because they are the "most visible," but everyone involved really sets the bar. pic.twitter.com/qeONV7YFUk
He explained his feelings about fans, saying, “I feel like fans only want free agency and drama and only care about playoffs and Finals and what that means for somebody’s legacy. Then they get programmed to just think about that, which has made them not want to care about the regular season.”
Kevin Durant Is determined to fix NBA ratings decline
Kevin Durant is working hard to help improve NBA viewership and keep fans interested in the game. In a recent media chat after the Suns game against the Nuggets on Christmas Day, he said he’s focused on finding a solution to the problem.
Durant said, “It’s a weird dialogue around the league and viewership, and I see a lot of people blaming the players for it. Something that big, it’s not just one component on why it’s going that way.”
Kevin Durant on the decline in NBA viewership:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 26, 2024
“I take this serious and I’m locked in as to why people don’t want to watch us play no more or why they don’t like the 3-point line or what the real problem is. I’m trying to think about it, understand it 'cause I love this game and… pic.twitter.com/hcFceKm33l
He added, “I know how important that is, I know how it changes lives. It does a lot for people. So, I take this seriously. I’m locked in as to why people don’t want to watch us play.”
