Ratings down across all sports,

[13th Man]

There are obviously many factors that come into play, some bearing more weight more than others. In practically every poll that I've come across, political messaging was up there as one of the top reasons for viewers tuning out. To blindly dismiss this altogether is just irrational and shows partisanship imo.

Sure you can cite other reasons, that's fair but that doesn't mean that the other existing factors suddenly disappear. What I see here often is; "It's because of X, it's because of Y", therefore it has nothing to do with politics. What kind of logic is this? You know that there could be multiple reasons that could cause a downturn in viewership right? Just because you've listed a couple of valid factors does not mean that no other factors exist. That's just silly.

About the racist accusations, just lol. I don't even try to defend myself of these types of accusations anymore.

It must really burn you that the league gained as many viewers as they lost due to their "politics".

It must really burn you that you can't refute any of my points

I'll bite though. If your statement is true, is that a good thing? Take a moment to think about that.

[Duke4life831]

How does online streaming (from legal sources) factor into these rating calculations?

All of the biggest legal streaming services (Hulu live, YouTubeTV, Sling) those views get put into the TV ratings.

[darkse1d]

No matter how you want to spin it the nba finals rating absolutely ranked. A drop of almost 50% in viewership is unheard of considering the supposed goat was playing. He isn’t a must see tv as previously thought/hyped

[prophet_of_rage]

What the racists got to say about this?

I don't think "racists" are watching basketball.

You're wrong.

Sent from my SM-N970W using Tapatalk

[Desiderium]

I don't think there's anyone that argues Black Live's don't matter, but the stance that the NBA has taken, associating voting for Biden and Black Lives, is completely inaccurate. I think that's what drove a lot of fans who have conservative views away. Rather than working on real issues, the stance that the NBA has taken is vote trump out of office and everything goes back to normal.

I consider myself middle of the road but leaning conservative and this is one of the big reasons why NBA hasn't appealed to me as of late. I still watched though, because i don't wan't politics to come between me and my favorite team. I just wish the NBA would take the same stance, don't let politics come between you and your fans.

[whitehops]

i imagine a lot of sports are missing ratings from "social viewers", as in the ones that were casual fans and would use it as an excuse to meet up with friends at a bar or have house gatherings. i'm sure ratings from those viewers have plummeted and i think that is a decent chunk of the dip.

for the nba specifically, i know i barely watched the RS and first two rounds because so many games were on during the day. anybody that still has to go to work and/or can't have games on in the background during the day just missed out.

[MotownMadness]

I don't think "racists" are watching basketball.

Do you not understand how broad the term Racist is in 2020. "You dont agree with politics in sports, you're racist" it's such a watered down term used by little woke kids these days.

Agreed.
Also the term fascist... Used by the same woke kids who support viewpoints that basically backed fascism.. They have no idea about it. They've never read about it, nor have they visited the camps or museums. Nothing. Not they're viewpoint and they'll jump and label. Then, when you turn out to be a person of colour, you're an Uncle Tom or a Gabacho or Saheb or whatever...
Woke idiots..

The results itself are obvious. The ratings will be down. There's nothing normal right and any result of political messaging will only be seen after normalcy returns. Although I doubt there will be any political messaging next year if the Democrats come to power. All of America's problems will be magically solved. It's a fun watch for me and other internationals.

It feels like common sense this crap is bad for the league yet somehow alot of people cant see it

[13th Man]

Do you not understand how broad the term Racist is in 2020. "You dont agree with politics in sports, you're racist" it's such a watered down term used by little woke kids these days.

Agreed.
Also the term fascist... Used by the same woke kids who support viewpoints that basically backed fascism.. They have no idea about it. They've never read about it, nor have they visited the camps or museums. Nothing. Not they're viewpoint and they'll jump and label. Then, when you turn out to be a person of colour, you're an Uncle Tom or a Gabacho or Saheb or whatever...
Woke idiots..

The results itself are obvious. The ratings will be down. There's nothing normal right and any result of political messaging will only be seen after normalcy returns. Although I doubt there will be any political messaging next year if the Democrats come to power. All of America's problems will be magically solved. It's a fun watch for me and other internationals.

It feels like common sense this crap is bad for the league yet somehow alot of people cant see it

They see it, they just can't admit to it.

So by bringing up other reasons (some of which may be valid), the logic is that politics then plays NO part in this whatsoever due to the other factors. Simply illogical and absurd.

[shangrila]

LOL at WNBA finals rating are up.

They finally found a formula that works.

Now if only they can keep this global pandemic rolling for another 10 years they might finally become profitable.

[PlayerUp]

Combination of reasons.

What will be more interesting is if ratings can return. I'm guessing they will in due time but the NBA must change, adapt and innovate.

[shangrila]

I don't think "racists" are watching basketball.

Do you not understand how broad the term Racist is in 2020. "You dont agree with politics in sports, you're racist" it's such a watered down term used by little woke kids these days.

Agreed.
Also the term fascist... Used by the same woke kids who support viewpoints that basically backed fascism.. They have no idea about it. They've never read about it, nor have they visited the camps or museums. Nothing. Not they're viewpoint and they'll jump and label. Then, when you turn out to be a person of colour, you're an Uncle Tom or a Gabacho or Saheb or whatever...
Woke idiots..

The results itself are obvious. The ratings will be down. There's nothing normal right and any result of political messaging will only be seen after normalcy returns. Although I doubt there will be any political messaging next year if the Democrats come to power. All of America's problems will be magically solved. It's a fun watch for me and other internationals.

It's just a way to call people Nazis without invoking Godwin's law.

Which is especially ironic given these same sorts of people, about 10 years ago, would have been claiming Godwin's law when people were pointing out that their rhetoric sounded very similar to Nazi propaganda.

Honestly, the way the language has evolved has been fascinating and makes me curious where they go next.

[Michael Lucky]

There's a simple aesthetic quality in having fans in stadiums that will drive viewer attention.

It is what it is.

[LofJ]

Sports are pretty social.

Many people watch games to catch up with friends or chat to friends later about it.

I also feel not playing sport has dropped my interest in sport.

Ding, ding, ding. This is a huge reason why ratings are down so much across the board. That and not having fans in the stands (which is also social) are likely THE reasons why this is happening. Sports aren't as exciting without a crowd watching and reacting or experiencing the game with a few friends.

[monopoman]

Those horses got too political. Only explanation for the lower Preakness ratings.

I saw one horse kneeling down to eat some grass during the national anthem it was a disgrace.

[McBubbles]

I don't think "racists" are watching basketball.

Do you not understand how broad the term Racist is in 2020. "You dont agree with politics in sports, you're racist" it's such a watered down term used by little woke kids these days.

Agreed.
Also the term fascist... Used by the same woke kids who support viewpoints that basically backed fascism.. They have no idea about it. They've never read about it, nor have they visited the camps or museums. Nothing. Not they're viewpoint and they'll jump and label. Then, when you turn out to be a person of colour, you're an Uncle Tom or a Gabacho or Saheb or whatever...
Woke idiots..

The results itself are obvious. The ratings will be down. There's nothing normal right and any result of political messaging will only be seen after normalcy returns. Although I doubt there will be any political messaging next year if the Democrats come to power. All of America's problems will be magically solved. It's a fun watch for me and other internationals.

The words ignorant, fascist, racist, communist, nazi and cuckold all had their original definitions changed into meaning "a person I don't like". Context is irrelevant, just use one of these words if you disagree with someone and you're golden.

[Mephariel]

I don't think there's anyone that argues Black Live's don't matter, but the stance that the NBA has taken, associating voting for Biden and Black Lives, is completely inaccurate. I think that's what drove a lot of fans who have conservative views away. Rather than working on real issues, the stance that the NBA has taken is vote trump out of office and everything goes back to normal.

I consider myself middle of the road but leaning conservative and this is one of the big reasons why NBA hasn't appealed to me as of late. I still watched though, because i don't wan't politics to come between me and my favorite team. I just wish the NBA would take the same stance, don't let politics come between you and your fans.

What stance is that? The players want to speak out. What are you going to do about it?

[fishfuego.]

I don't think "racists" are watching basketball.

Do you not understand how broad the term Racist is in 2020. "You dont agree with politics in sports, you're racist" it's such a watered down term used by little woke kids these days.

I've been called racist for saying not all cops are bad. Nevermind that I have brown skin and have experienced what real racism feels like. The word "racism" used to hold a lot of weight but as you said, it's watered down now and only applies to people who don't agree with woke politics.

I agree that the racist screamers are today's actual racists. After all racism can be of any color not just one. Add fascist to that as well if you are of a particular political side they don't agree with, as they will use socialist/communist tactics and label you whatever the flavor of the moment is with all sorts of demeaning attacks in hopes of silencing you. I have seen all this before and I'm immune to it.

I can give a thousand craps about what anyone says as long as I know where I stand.

[fishfuego.]

I don't think there's anyone that argues Black Live's don't matter, but the stance that the NBA has taken, associating voting for Biden and Black Lives, is completely inaccurate. I think that's what drove a lot of fans who have conservative views away. Rather than working on real issues, the stance that the NBA has taken is vote trump out of office and everything goes back to normal.

I consider myself middle of the road but leaning conservative and this is one of the big reasons why NBA hasn't appealed to me as of late. I still watched though, because i don't wan't politics to come between me and my favorite team. I just wish the NBA would take the same stance, don't let politics come between you and your fans.

What stance is that? The players want to speak out. What are you going to do about it?

Sure they can speak out. This is a free country.
Many fans can speak out against it too. This is a free country.

"What are you going to do about it?"
What many have done. Not watch nor support with their wallet.

[fishfuego.]

I don't think "racists" are watching basketball.

Do you not understand how broad the term Racist is in 2020. "You dont agree with politics in sports, you're racist" it's such a watered down term used by little woke kids these days.

Agreed.
Also the term fascist... Used by the same woke kids who support viewpoints that basically backed fascism.. They have no idea about it. They've never read about it, nor have they visited the camps or museums. Nothing. Not they're viewpoint and they'll jump and label. Then, when you turn out to be a person of colour, you're an Uncle Tom or a Gabacho or Saheb or whatever...
Woke idiots..

The results itself are obvious. The ratings will be down. There's nothing normal right and any result of political messaging will only be seen after normalcy returns. Although I doubt there will be any political messaging next year if the Democrats come to power. All of America's problems will be magically solved. It's a fun watch for me and other internationals.

This right here^.

"Also the term fascist... Used by the same woke kids who support viewpoints that basically backed fascism.. They have no idea about it. They've never read about it, nor have they visited the camps or museums. Nothing."

Especially this^.
And correct, They have not been to a real camp nor a real museum where real fascism took place, mainly overseas where the devastating human suffering by the millions took place under and by those same ideals they seem to be promoting.

Many promote Marxism, a system that under "voluntary" work performs not just legal systemic slavery, but child labor abuse with sending 10, 11, 12 years old children to what they call labor schools ( with absolutely no pay) where they send students of such age to work for 45 days to farms fields, factory camps etc under such pretense, in the most inhumane conditions and by force or else. Also by the same Marxist ideals they take children ( 16 years old and even younger) as property of the government to military camps ready for war etc, and no parent has the right to disagree.

I'm telling you, they have no idea as they can't see beyond their noses.

[Lalouie]

streaming with the family is more fulfilling than truncated sports.
i didn't watch a single game live. they were dvr'd and i chose to watch or not later. mostly,,,not.