The Powers That Be: Daily The MLB-ESPN Standoff & Stephen A. For President?
Feb 21, 2025
John Ourand, author of The Varsity and host of The Varsity Podcast, shares insights into the NBA's disappointing All-Star Weekend and its struggle with viewership. He explores the ongoing standoff between MLB and ESPN over broadcasting rights, emphasizing the shifting dynamics in sports media. The conversation also ventures into the realm of politics, pondering if Stephen A. Smith or Mark Cuban could actually run for president, and what their unique appeal might mean for younger voters.
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Declining NBA All-Star Viewership
- The NBA All-Star game is criticized for its lack of competitiveness.
- Viewership has declined, and the game is seen as a business opportunity rather than a sporting event.
All-Star Weekend as a Trade Show
- The NBA All-Star weekend is compared to a smaller version of the Super Bowl's massive trade show week.
- Media partners, sponsors, players, and agents gather, indicating the NBA's business health.
All-Star Game Apathy
- The issue of declining player interest in all-star games isn't unique to the NBA.
- Baseball and hockey face similar challenges in making their all-star games relevant.