This past NBA season the average television viewership numbers rose to a four-year high. For the regular season the total number of viewers for for national telecasts of NBA games was up 8% from the 2016-17 season. The number of viewers finished at 1.28 million, and represents the highest average since the 2013-2014 season.
Any guesses as to why this is? Well the changing of hats from some of the biggest stars in the league is one, the increased competitiveness amongst the top tier teams is another, but the biggest reason - in my opinion - is the little things.
The Little Things, like dropping the restrictions on sneaker colors for players. According to ESPN, the NBA for the "first time in league history will allow players to wear any color at any point during the upcoming season." Smart right? Allowing NBA players to be themselves, show creativity and have the opportunity to express and connect with fans is a huge marketing driver. Not only does it increase the following amongst sneaker-heads, but it allows players to showcase what matters to them. Good job NBA! Now if only there was another league that could utilize an idea like this... oh right like the NFL.
The NFL sucks. It's called the No Fun League for a reason, and it continues to show in it's downward spiraling viewership numbers. According to Business Insider, the NFL Average Viewership by year dropped to an all-time low at 14.8 million last season. The lowest since 2010 (17.8 million).
So why the drop in the NFL but a gain in the NBA?
The NFL has had a lot of problems; disciplinary (Ray Rice, Greg Hardy, Ben Roethlisberger, etc.), protests and demonstrations, and of course, a policy of no fun. Not only have they outlawed and cracked down on touchdown celebrations, which were always one of the most exciting things about the game, but their consistent and unrelenting hatred towards players expressing themselves. Here's a few fines dolled out last season.
OBJ's 9/11 Memorial Cleats
DeAngelo Williams eye black with "Find The Cure" on it to honor his deceased mother
Williams Gay wearing purple cleats to bring awareness towards domestic violence
Cameron Heyward wearing eye black saying "Iron Head" to honor his deceased father
What a compete joke. Does the NFL think it's the only ones who can deem a cause worthwhile? Do they think they have the final say on what should and shouldn't matter? How can they think that fining players form drawing attention to Breast Cancer Awareness or domestic violence is fine-worthy? They should be encouraging players to speak out and speak up and on issues like this instead of penalizing them.
The NBA encourages its players to bring awareness to causes important to them. Just look a some of the sneakers we saw last season...
Will the NFL ever learn? Probably not. That's why the average number of total viewers dropped 9.6% from 2016 to 2017. I for one can't wait to see the crazy designs that players bring out this coming season.
Do you agree with the NBA's new policy? What about the NFL's? Let me know in the comments below!
