The Indiana Pacers’ advancement to the NBA Finals has raised concerns about television ratings since they represent smaller market teams, with Indianapolis ranking 25th and Oklahoma City 47th among U.S. media markets. Traditionally, higher-profile teams like the New York Knicks or Los Angeles Lakers would drive greater revenue and viewership. However, several industry insiders argue that current NBA TV contracts, which guarantee revenue despite ratings fluctuations, mitigate these fears. The league’s long-term financial health is bolstered by merchandise sales and sponsorships, even if ticket sales may be lower in smaller markets.
While the audience for past Finals has generally declined, particularly since 2018, this postseason has seen increased viewership in certain series, suggesting potential for improvement in finals ratings. While star power plays a crucial role in attracting viewers, the league hopes emerging stars like Tyrese Halliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can engage casual fans.
Ultimately, the NBA benefits from longer series, as each additional game increases revenue through ticket sales and advertising. A Game 7 often draws significantly larger viewership, bolstering revenues for the league and its partners, indicating that while the Pacers and Thunder may be small market teams, their playoff success could bring undiscovered opportunities.
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