Maybe this subject has been beaten to death. Those under the age of 20 dont reply.

Wow seems like you are under 20 years old.

 

ROTF

 

Actually, I feel his pain too.

 

The thing that confuses me is that he glares to everybody that he makes 80k a year but doesnt want to spend the $30 a month for basic cable to get more NBA games.

 

IM NOT 20

 

They don't show a lot of NHL and MLB games on network TV, do they?

At any rate, the NBA is a business, and a very succesful one since Stern came along. I think he knows what he's doing--to hell with the few angry, frugal fans.

 

Well I'm 19 and a half so here is my useless opinion...


No straight man watches ABC unless there is a sporting event on.

 

Just turned 20 TODAY!

I have to agree that it sucks that there are barely any games on standard tv.

 

All the sports leauges have taken advantage of their rights to market/sell their games over satellite/cable companies, and since the number of cable and satellite dish subscribers is only growing, it makes sense that they take full advantage of this.

And, as a result, the big-time sports fans gladly pay for cable/satellite to get all the sports (along w/ the other programming).

The only reason it didn't happen back in the day is because nobody had cable/satellite... its as simple as that.

The NFL alone is reaping a billion dollar deal from direcTV, despite the fact that their over-the-air games do very well. That's how much the cable/satellite paying public wants sports.

More subscirbers has made the market grow, and thus the market has developed top-notch programming when it comes to sports.

ESPN has become bigger worldwide than any over-the-air network could ever be... why wouldn't sports leagues want to get their full exposure on this channel, by signing agreements that tie into the network (note: espn's NBA coverage was AWFUL before they signed the new TV agreement... its improved simply because they now show the games).

Additionally, as more and more people move around and get transplanted, cable/dish becomes one of the only ways people can keep in touch with their local teams. (try to follow the St. Louis Cardinals in Houston relying on local news alone... its impossible).

Finally... it just boils down to dedicated programming. Over-the-air stations try and cram sit-coms/dramas into their programming, thus limiting the amount of time they can dedicate only to sports.

This is why you never see good pre-game/post-game shows on over-the-air games.

Cable/satllelite has the resources, the air-time, and the extra $$$ to put the best product on the field.

 

We're glad your here Val fighting the good fight for us, the world needs more professionals.

 

Didnt mean to call you out like that Val, but i see it this way, the NBA is what they are today, overpriced players, ridicolous contracts, barley any standard TV games, etc... I am 21, and do remember the games that were on CBS and NBC in which, yes they were without a doubt more games on those networks than ABC, but its a business standpoint. Its like the same argument with a free agent going for more money instead of making a family happy or play for his hometown. Everybody can't be satisfied.

Same thing with the Boss with the Yankees, he makes who knows how much money just with merchandise sales alone its unbearable, which is why he spends the money he does on the players.

Basketball is my favorite sport period. I would make that $30 sacrifice to see more games, even if I am at home for limited a time each week. Its your choice.

 

I don't really care for the ABC and ESPN telecasts either. However, being a child of the 80s, it just doesn't seem like primetime network basketball if it isn't on NBC. The theme music was classic, and you had guys like Marv Albert and Doug Collins calling exciting games with Jordan, Olajuwon, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, etc. Cable broadcasts should be limited to the Turner networks (TNT and TBS). Stephen A Smith, Tom Tolbert, Greg Anthony???? Give me a break.

Why is NBC so cheap? The only sports they have now are Arena Football and Notre Dame football.

 

Happy belated Birthday Uprising

 

Val, I too feel your pain.


Nick, well said however.


I guess for us who don't have the time to watch cable (aka throw money at the TV) we must suffer through the changes or just budget it in.


I for one, being out of town and without cable (except at the in-laws' house), have to grin and bare it and rely heavily on this great BBS (or just invite myself over to the in-laws 3 times a week -which is easier when you have grandkids to offer them. )

 

If you are never home, then how can you watch "over the air" TV? And how do you have time to watch it?

 

Maybe because NBC does not want to pre-empt "Friends" for NBA games.

Stern cannot force networks to buy NBA rights.

I have to question your knowledge about this.

 

So if all the games were on for free, every team would be running in debt.

Quit living in a dream world. America is based on money. Why don't you b!tch to AMC Theatres for not having free movies. Go to Fogo de Chao and ask them why filet mignon costs more than 1 dollar.

 

Just get married and have a couple of kids. THAT will give you an excuse to have cable and you can quit b****ing...