Attendance was down in the MLB, NHL, NFL, and college basketball. Your reasons sound ok but I would guess the economy and sports dependence on corporate America.
The Death of the League? Since 1980, haven't there been only like 7 or 8 teams that have won championships? This is nothing new.
Close and intense games can still be had without super stacked teams. Besides, fans of good teams currently don't take regular season seriously anyway.
HDTV People will glady watch the games on their big screens with their family and buddies than go out in treacherous traffic to catch a game. TV ratings are UP for the NBA
The NBA is getting bigger, and more people are watching it.. http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/04/15/attendance-sales-viewers-increased-for-nba/ Attendance, Sales, Viewers Increased For NBA The NBA says its three national TV partners all had their most viewers ever this season, topped by a 42 percent increase for TNT. ABC was up 38 percent and ESPN had a 28 percent jump, the league says Friday. Turner Sports also says its 1.6 rating was its highest in 27 years of NBA coverage and that it televised three of the five most-watched NBA regular-season games ever on cable this season. Despite fears of a labor stoppage after the season, the NBA reported success across many platforms. Arena capacity was 90.3 percent, its seventh straight year of 90 or better, and the 17,306 average was up 1 percent from last year and was its fifth highest. Merchandise sales jumped more than 20 percent and NBA.com saw an increase of more than 140 percent in video views
Maybe its just me. But the whole structure have to change to fit Dwight. And I kind of like what Rox is doing so far....... So be my guest Dwight. Join Kobe and co. As long as its not the Bulls, Thunder, Blazers, I have no problem whichever team he chose.
Lolwut? If anything superstars teaming up raises interest in the league, not tamps it down. IIRC during the NBA's heydays in the 80's the league was all about Bird-Magic, I don't even remember any player not on the Celts or the Lakers during that period. Regarding DH, I certainly hope he comes here considering that his best friend (courtney lee) plays here and both KM, Lee and DH have the same agent. Les Alexander and DM should be all up this agent's ass with talk about making DH Yao's successor in China, and how having 1B chinese fans rooting for him will make him the most popular C in the league. Roster wise, no team would have a greater boost from DH as the Rox. Can you imagine a starting 5 of DH, CHuck Hayes, Courtney Lee, KM and Lowry? Teams would score 50 pts tops lol.
It written less than 3 month ago, what's your point? TV ratings are good, but most of the team's revenue comes from people going to the games (and buying the overpriced drinks and merchandises there), and after you take out the big market teams like LA, New York and Chicago the picture is not so pretty. The numbers could get worse next season in places like Cleveland whose numbers where kept afloat this season because of season ticket renewals pre-lebron's decision, and where ever the hell the Kings is moving to. And teams like Utah and Phoenix who have entered into rebuilding phase. I don't really have a problem with super stacked teams, just that the NBA doesn't give any of the teams outside of 5 legitimate title contenders to put together a competitive team and that is hurting the quality of the league as most teams are looking to cut cost. It also doesn't offer teams any incentive to try during the regular season, where the bad teams tank to get more pingpong balls, and the good teams does not play 100% in order to get ready for the playoffs. All of this is bringing down the overall quality of the league and the vast majority of the games played.
ric bucher is not an insider at all. this news has been leaked out for months now. but we all know he will demand a trade b/c he has little help right now.
No matter how many times you repeat this folks who don't like players deciding to team up on their own will ignore it. The only change is players having more say in the process. Teams are no more stacked now than in the past and the league hasn't had parity since Stern was hired.*
We are in the worst economic recession in about 50 years. Attendance is down in ALL sports The NBA tv package is up and general ratings are up. Thats all that matters. TV contracts is where the bread is buttered Seeing that ratings are up, which is a statement that people do care about the regular season--makes the whole soccer thing ridiculous
superteams suck... we all know that. but the death of the league? thats a little extreme. while a handful of superstars will go team up teams like san antonio, chicago, and denver, who have 1 or 2 good players will not make any moves, and develop chemistry 1000X better than miami, new york, or new jersey. the lakers win so much because their core group of players hasnt changed all that much once gasol was traded. artest was the biggest move they made. but bynum, kobe, fisher, and gasol have been together for a while now. my point is, while these "superstars" go and create their superteams, the tough hardworking, balanced teams with deep benches will always come out on top. LMB
Can you name 5 title winning teams in the past 30 years that weren't super teams (as far as the talent on the roster)?
