Thunder-Pacers Finals. Worst for business?

SUPERVILLAIN · Post #1 » by **SUPERVILLAIN** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:27 am

Let's say both teams keep its (much deserved) lead and go to the Finals. Is this the worst possible outcome for the NBA from business perspective?

If I'm not mistaken, both teams are ranked in the bottom 5 in terms of market size.

Marvin Martian · Post #2 » by **Marvin Martian** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:29 am

This board cries about a lack of parity, then cries when they actually get it.

Post #3 » by **jbk1234** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:30 am

I think the Pacers can give OKC a real series. I don't feel that way about the Knicks.

durden_tyler · Post #4 » by **durden_tyler** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:30 am

Who cares, it's great for basketball.

Saul Goodman · Post #5 » by **Saul Goodman** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:33 am

It baffles me why anyone cares about market size. Good basketball is good basketball.

reddyplayerone · Post #6 » by **reddyplayerone** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:34 am

Marvin Martian wrote:This board cries about a lack of parity, then cries when they actually get it.

I just do not understand why anyone cares about this stuff really.

The league got built to this level of popularity on dynasties, and the league will be fine in this mini era of parity, and the league will be fine if there's a Finals without a glam market.

durden_tyler wrote:Who cares, it's great for basketball.

Yeah I don't think it's that either.

At least not inherently. If the basketball ends up being great then that's always good for basketball. If it's not it won't be but that will be okay too.

Everything will be fine lol

Mr Puddles · Post #7 » by **Mr Puddles** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:36 am

I'd personally stop watching NBA basketball if it was the same two teams getting to the finals over and over. I'm sure it's the same for many domestic US and international fans.

Parity is good for the product which, in the long term, is good for viewership.

uncleduck13 · Post #8 » by **uncleduck13** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:39 am

The great rural midwestern Finals matchup. Should be terrific for basketball.

Wingy · Post #9 » by **Wingy** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:40 am

Eat **** NBA.

Your own fault for slobbing the knob of old man Lebron and old man Curry for so god damned long. Reap your reward ****.

BAMAFREAK · Post #10 » by **BAMAFREAK** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:43 am

It’s great for the sport!

Ugly0598 · Post #11 » by **Ugly0598** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:43 am

I’ll watch if it’s a 4 game sweep, otherwise it’s terrible for basketball. They don’t seem to care much about growing the game.

xxSnEaKyPxx · Post #12 » by **xxSnEaKyPxx** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:44 am

The NBA has the worst fans in American sports.

Y’all have been programmed to think of the Celtics or Lakers aren’t in the Finals, then it sucks.

No other league does this.

No other league is like “Welp, the Panthers and the Broncos are in the Super Bowl, imma skip this because it’s not a team from a big market.”

The NBA’s marketing has just royally screwed their business over by only putting a spotlight on the same 5 teams.

NBA culture is just so ass backwards.

reddyplayerone · Post #13 » by **reddyplayerone** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:48 am

xxSnEaKyPxx wrote:The NBA has the worst fans in American sports.

Y’all have been programmed to think of the Celtics or Lakers aren’t in the Finals, then it sucks.

No other league does this.

No other league is like “Welp, the Panthers and the Broncos are in the Super Bowl, imma skip this because it’s not a team from a big market.”

The NBA’s marketing has just royally screwed their business over by only putting a spotlight on the same 5 teams.

NBA culture is just so ass backwards.

This seems to be more about how people pretend the only other professional sports league in America is the NFL

And it's been said over and over again why the NFL's business model works for them exclusively

Alatan · Post #14 » by **Alatan** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:48 am

I was hoping for the battle of the grifters so the NBA finally does something about the dumb rules and how they are officiated.

Instead it looks like im going to cheer for Indiana to win its 1st.

jkvonny · Post #15 » by **jkvonny** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:48 am

xxSnEaKyPxx wrote:The NBA has the worst fans in American sports.

Y’all have been programmed to think of the Celtics or Lakers aren’t in the Finals, then it sucks.

No other league does this.

No other league is like “Welp, the Panthers and the Broncos are in the Super Bowl, imma skip this because it’s not a team from a big market.”

The NBA’s marketing has just royally screwed their business over by only putting a spotlight on the same 5 teams.

NBA culture is just so ass backwards.

Agreed! I said this in another thread as well.

"IDk why the NBA has issues with this. It's silly to. Me. It's all about marketing.

The NFL doesn't hv this isuee. Hell! Look at all the small markets in that league that draws well and very successful. Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Pitt Steelers, Cincy, Bengals , New Orleans Saints, Minn Vikings, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indy Colts, Jacksonville Jags, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, etc.

The big market NY Jets have been a joke for decades and haven't been in the playoffs for a decade and a half. Last won a Super Bowl in 1969!
Same for the Chicago Bears, they stink and haven't won a SB since 1985."

durden_tyler · Post #16 » by **durden_tyler** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:50 am

xxSnEaKyPxx wrote:The NBA has the worst fans in American sports.

Y’all have been programmed to think of the Celtics or Lakers aren’t in the Finals, then it sucks.

No other league does this.

No other league is like “Welp, the Panthers and the Broncos are in the Super Bowl, imma skip this because it’s not a team from a big market.”

The NBA’s marketing has just royally screwed their business over by only putting a spotlight on the same 5 teams.

NBA culture is just so ass backwards.

Double edged sword; the NBA also has the most loyal fans in the world. i’ve seen fandom being passed from grandfathers to sons to grandsons— and you can guess it right, these are the old school Lakers, Bulls, Celtics fans since the 80s/90s and this is why we have lots of dumb/casual fans albeit loyal dumb/casual fans!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

damanick10 · Post #17 » by **damanick10** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:53 am

Lol here we go. NBA fans are the worst... only fans who are obsessed about dumb ass TV ratings instead of the actual game.

Jedi32 · Post #18 » by **Jedi32** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:54 am

Nah I think it’ll be good for the league.

Milenkovic · Post #19 » by **Milenkovic** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:56 am

This is the best thing for the viewer. A new generation of stars, exposure to different teams.

I couldn't be happier if this is the finals series

PhilBlackson · Post #20 » by **PhilBlackson** » Sat May 24, 2025 3:57 am

Oh shut up with this already lol

Enough crying about markets, ratings etc no one but dumb casuals care about this silly Stephan A like "concern"/bias...just enjoy the damn games and these Playoffs have actually been one of the better ones up until this point.

Thunder/Pacers should actually be a good Finals.