The TV ratings for the NBA playoffs are in some serious trouble.
According to Michael Mulvihill of Fox Sports, the ratings for the playoffs are down 26% so far compared to 2018.
For contrast, March Madness ratings went up 9% from last year.
Persons 2+ Viewership, 2019 vs 2018, All Networks:
NCAA Tournament: +9%
CBB Reg Seas: +5%
NASCAR Cup: +3%
NHL Reg Seas: +2%
NBA Reg Seas: -5%
NHL Playoffs: -16%
NBA Playoffs: -26%— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) April 18, 2019
How does the NBA have such bad ratings? It just doesn’t make sense. It’d be one thing if they were down a few percentage points. That wouldn’t be a reason to panic.
Crashing 26% is a massive cause for concern. Honestly, you have to wonder if LeBron James not playing in the postseason plays a large role. (RELATED: LaVar Ball Guarantees LeBron James Won’t Win A Title In Los Angles If Lonzo Gets Traded)
He’s the biggest draw in the league, and he’s watching at home with the rest of us after the atrocious season the Lakers just had.
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The other possible explanation is: people might just have fatigue knowing the Warriors are going to win the whole thing. The season for the NBA right now is pretty much over before it even starts.
Steph Curry and Golden State are going to roll through the regular season, postseason, win a championship and there’s not much anybody can do about it.
I have no idea what the fix is for the NBA, but they need to find a fix before they continue hemorrhaging viewers.
The fact March Madness ratings went up is proof people still love the sport of basketball. There’s just something about the NBA that’s not nearly as appealing.
I have no doubt the people running the league are panicking with these numbers. Just atrocious all the way around.