With the Golden State Warriors having the worst record in the NBA, it’s a rough state of affairs for the franchise that’s won three titles in the past five seasons.
But aside from the Warriors’ situation, the NBA is in a bad spot, too. Ratings have been down to begin the season. Per John Ourand of Sports Business Journal, TNT’s and ESPN’s ratings are down 23% and 20%, respectively.
On Wednesday, Warriors forward Draymond Green was asked about what he thought was the reasoning for ratings being down. Green acknowledged he isn’t very knowledgeable on the situation, but he did say how the Warriors’ quality play over the past few seasons helped the league’s ratings.
“The Warriors definitely helped boost the ratings, and not so much right now,” Green said, per The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “So I think that definitely plays a part in it.”
Steve Kerr added that Steph Curry being out with a hand injury is a potential factor for ratings being down. Per Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune, Curry said in November he will need a second hand surgery in December. After the second surgery, he will be re-evaluated in three months.
“I’m not the expert on this stuff,” Kerr said, per Slater. “I don’t think it helps that Steph’s injured. I know he drives the ratings. But I’m not really sure.”
Golden State has been flexed out of two upcoming national TV games, per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. The Warriors’ game Dec. 13 against the Utah Jazz won’t be on ESPN. The team’s Dec. 18 game against the Portland Trail Blazers also won’t be on ESPN.
The Warriors have been the most dominant team of the 2010s, and their extraordinary play helped bring more eyes to NBA games.
But with the Warriors being at the bottom of the standings this season, their lack of success likely is a factor for the decrease in ratings.
