NBA ratings hit new lows despite action-packed Conference Finals in progress: Report

While NBA has been hosting remainder of 2019-20 season in Orlando bubble, ratings have been low ever since resumption of action in July. An array of reports have listed various reasons for low number of viewers tuning in, which also includes NBA's support of Black Lives Matter movement and President Donald Trump's comments saying that league is w like a "political organization". As per recent reports, NBA ratings have hit a new low, despite ongoing action-packed Conference Finals on show. 

Also re | NBA viewership drop? Kevin Durant says obsession over stats is causing NBA ratings to drop

NBA ratings drop to record low despite NBA Conference finals

According to a Sports Illustrated report, ratings for Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Game 2 were a new low in NBA viewership. Game 2 saw a 36% dip from Game 1 and brought in a reported aver of 3.48 million viewers. As per Sports Media Watch's Jon Lewis, Lakers vs Nuggets Game 2 was least-watched NBA Conference Finals game since 2003. 

game clashed with NFL's duel between Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, which h around 17.7 million viewers. One reason for low viewership count could be Lakers' easy Game 1 victory, which h fans on Twitter discussing how this could be a 4-0 sweep for LeBron James and Lakers. Game 2, however, was closer, and Anthony Davis won it for LA with a game-winning buzzer-beater which lifted Lakers to a 105-103 victory. 

Also re | NBA conference finals: Celtics vs Heat rivalry, key players and storylines

Nuggets won Game 3, cutting Lakers' le to 2-1 in series. If Nuggets win next game, reports ratings could go up by Game 5. On or hand, ratings for Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 between Boston Celtics and Miami Heat were lowest in 17 years. That game also clashed with an NFL contest airing on NBC. ditionally, NBA ratings for playoffs have dropped 40% from two years ago and 27% since last season. 

As all leagues – NBA, NFL and MLB – have returned at same time, ratings were expected to experience a dip. However, NBA ratings have been down since before league went on hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. While Western Conference ratings could go up in case of a Game 7, Eastern Conference Finals are lacking big names in league. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks, who led NBA standings with a 56-17 win-loss record in regular season and defending champions Toronto Raptors were both eliminated in conference semifinals. 

Also re | NBA viewership affected? Is Trump's move to boycott watching league causing NBA ratings drop?

Reports also expect NBA ratings to go up if LA Lakers reach finals for first time since Kobe Bryant-led team in 2010. If Celtics win against Heat, it could recreate 2010 Finals, which Lakers won 4-3. However, if Nuggets vance to Finals inste of Lakers, ratings are expected to hit all-time lows. According to reports, an LA Lakers vs LA Clippers Conference Finals would have brought in substantial numbers. Fans switching to live streaming options is also said to be a reason for NBA ratings drop. 

Also re | NBA live stream guide and full schedule at Orlando Bubble

(Im credits: AP)