The NBA was set for a strong opening week, but viewership has taken a hit over the past few days. The Knicks-Pacers game was a low point, drawing only 830,000 viewers on ESPN, likely impacted by competition from the World Series. However, viewership has been on a consistent decline, raising important questions for the league on how to improve its product. This issue has sparked debate, particularly between Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.
Mazzulla has expressed frustration over the tight restrictions on players, arguing that excessive technical fouls for minor offenses are hurting the entertainment value. He even suggested that fights should make a comeback, saying, “I would love to see fighting brought back. What could be more entertaining than a little scrap?”
In an earlier era, when social media wasn’t as prominent and the league’s financial stakes were lower, fights on the court were more common. Even legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan got involved in brawls, and fans seemed to enjoy the drama. However, Stephen A. Smith argues that this approach is no longer feasible, especially after the infamous ‘Malice in the Palace’ incident, which reshaped attitudes toward on-court fights.
Smith pointed out that while fights are tolerated in sports like hockey, the NBA operates under different conditions due to its partnerships with major advertisers and sponsors. “When you have Madison Avenue and advertisers to attract, you don’t want to risk the bottom line… people think they have all this freedom, but in reality, you’re dependent on sponsors to fund the product. If they’re not onboard, you’re not making money,” he said on The Stephen A. Smith Show.
With a $76 billion media deal in place for the next decade, the NBA must maintain control over its image. Allowing fights could strain relationships with streaming partners and potentially drive viewership even lower. However, Mazzulla’s perspective raises the question of whether the NBA should consider any changes to keep the game exciting for fans.
The drop in viewership may stem from several factors. Star players are injured, fans are increasingly critical of the league’s reliance on three-point shooting, and inconsistencies in officiating have led to frustration. This isn’t necessarily a criticism of referees, but controversial calls can significantly alter outcomes.
One solution NBA commissioner Adam Silver might consider is relaxing the guidelines for technical fouls. For competitive athletes, a heated reaction to a call is natural. Today, even a stern look or forceful objection can get players penalized—something that wasn’t as strict in the past.
