NBA viewership is down 25% this season, prompting speculation about the reasons behind the decline. Some point to the increased focus on three-pointers and lack of defense, while others cite player rest and a watered-down regular season. Even Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla admitted he'd rather watch something else.
Fewer people are watching the NBA than in previous years, including some of the sport's top names. Ratings for NBA games on ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV are down 25% through Saturday, according to Sports Media Watch, and there are many ideas floating about why. Three-pointer propensity and lack of defense are the two main bugaboos observers point to. And it's become clear that players rest more often than they used to and that the regular season has been watered down in recent years.
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about the declining ratings, and one would think the coach of the reigning champions would defend his game. But that was not the case. 'I add to that I don’t watch NBA games. I’m just as much of a problem as everyone else,' Mazzulla admitted, adding he'd 'rather watch something else. 'I don't like watching the games.
It should be noted that TV ratings for men's college basketball and the NHL are also down 21% and 28%, respectively, from last season. Women's college basketball is also down 38%, but Caitlin Clark also drew historic numbers that were bound to come down. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
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