The future of the NBA | Part I, the media with Ben Aronson
Aug 3, 2023
auto_awesome
Media executive and friend of the show Ben Aronson joins Jarod Hector and David Thorpe to discuss NBA fan consumption habits, ratings and revenue, the current state of media coverage, and why Gen Z watches less sports. They also explore the future of NBA viewership, potential solutions for declining viewership, the concept of an age limit tournament, challenges faced by the NBA, and the disconnect between fan perception and player desires.
The NBA should adapt its media coverage to engage fans and maintain interest amidst changing viewership habits.
Teams should make the in-person viewing experience more accessible and affordable for families to attract younger generations to live games.
The sports media landscape should prioritize insightful analysis and storytelling over sensationalism to attract a broader audience.
Deep dives
The Future of the NBA: Media Coverage and Broadcast Deals
The podcast episode explores the future of the NBA in terms of media coverage and broadcast deals. Currently, the NBA has a $9 billion broadcast deal, but as viewership declines, the future of the sport's coverage is uncertain. The rise of streaming services and changing viewership habits are challenging the traditional broadcast model. Additionally, the NBA's focus on individual stars and the reliance on highlights rather than watching full games has impacted viewership. The media landscape needs to adapt and find new ways to engage fans and maintain interest. The podcast also discusses the importance of creating a better demand for the sport by emphasizing the love of the game rather than focusing solely on business and financial aspects. It suggests that the NBA should invest in youth programs and partnerships with NCAA basketball to cultivate a love for the sport at a young age. By promoting the sport as an abocation rather than just a vocation, the NBA can connect with a wider audience and create a stronger fan base for the future.
The Challenges of Live Sports Viewing and Declining Attendance
The podcast highlights the challenges of live sports viewing, especially among Gen Z viewers. The decline in attendance at live games is a concern, as fewer young people have reported going to in-person sporting events. The high costs associated with attending games, including ticket prices and concessions, contribute to this decline. The podcast suggests that teams should focus on making the in-person viewing experience more accessible and affordable for families. It also discusses the importance of connecting with parents and cultivating a love for the sport within families. By appealing to parents and creating a positive viewing experience, the NBA can ensure that younger generations continue to be interested in attending live games.
Changing Media Landscape and the Role of Sports Entertainment
The podcast delves into the changing media landscape and its impact on sports entertainment. It examines the role of mainstream media coverage and how it influences fan perceptions and engagement. The podcast highlights the need for a shift in sports media to focus more on analysis and storytelling rather than sensationalism. It suggests that the entertainment value of sports coverage should be combined with insightful analysis to appeal to a broader audience. The podcast acknowledges the existence of platforms that provide intelligent basketball analysis outside of mainstream media, but emphasizes the importance of creating a cohesive and engaging media landscape that supports the league, teams, and fans.
Creating Drama and Parity in the NBA
The podcast discusses the importance of creating drama and parity within the NBA to attract and retain fans. Parity, where several teams have a chance to win, makes the sport more exciting and unpredictable. The NBA has focused on increasing parity through initiatives like the CBA and drafting regulations. The podcast suggests that the league should continue to emphasize parity to generate more drama and intrigue for fans. By creating a more level playing field, the NBA can captivate viewers and create a larger fan base. The podcast also mentions the significance of generating interest in the sport at an early age through youth programs, the WNBA, and the G League.
The Importance of Cultivating a Love for the Game
The podcast emphasizes the importance of cultivating a love for basketball instead of solely focusing on it as a business or a means for financial success. It suggests that the NBA should prioritize promoting the sport as an enjoyable and meaningful activity for players and fans alike. By engaging young athletes and their families and making basketball accessible and affordable, the NBA can foster a connection to the game that transcends individual success and monetary gains. The podcast calls for a shift in perspective, focusing on the craft and art of the sport rather than solely on the outcome or financial aspects.
On today's TrueHoop podcast Jarod Hector and David Thorpe debut part one of the series "The Future of the NBA." Joining them is media executive and friend of the show Ben Aronson. They discuss:
NBA fan consumption habits
Ratings and the driver of revenue
How the current media covers the game
Beyond the increased options, why does Gen Z watch less sports than previous generations?