The fact that by the end of the season the ratings had largely recovered I think points to the NBA being an inventory sport and one which has figured out that it doesn't make sense to put out the good stuff when the NFL is still playing.
It is funny to think of the hand-wringing over ratings now, as the playoffs are doing quite well from both a qualitative and quantitative POV. I'm sure there will be the same cycle next fall and winter, as the playoffs recede from memory and we're mired in the regular season, but it's a useful thing to flag. The NBA is an event sport stuck in an inventory sport's body.
The fact that by the end of the season the ratings had largely recovered I think points to the NBA being an inventory sport and one which has figured out that it doesn't make sense to put out the good stuff when the NFL is still playing.
It is funny to think of the hand-wringing over ratings now, as the playoffs are doing quite well from both a qualitative and quantitative POV. I'm sure there will be the same cycle next fall and winter, as the playoffs recede from memory and we're mired in the regular season, but it's a useful thing to flag. The NBA is an event sport stuck in an inventory sport's body.