Want stronger NBA ratings? Win games and hire LeBron James
Nielsen Media Research reports that several NBA franchises are enjoying noticeably higher television ratings in their local markets than during last season. Not surprisingly, winning ways and star power are driving the stronger ratings.
The New Orleans Hornets, coming off of last year's strong showing, are the league leader with a 163% ratings jump. The Cleveland Cavaliers' 109% ratings jump undoubtedly was driven by LeBron James leading the team to an eight-game winning streak.
The Lakers, who play in the nation's second-largest media market and have Kobe Bryant, registered a respectable 14% gain. The New York Knicks, who play in the media market's Big Apple, showed a 17% gain over last season. And plays like this by LeBron keep the fans tuned in.
Top 10 local ratings for NBA teams during the ongoing season
Team Average local household rating
San Antonio 6.6
Cleveland 6.2
Portland 5.0
Utah 4.8
L.A. Lakers 4.2
Detroit 4.1
Phoenix 4.0
Boston 3.4
Houston 3.2
Chicago 2.9
2008-09 average local rating vs. 2007-08 season
Team Percentage change
New Orleans 163%
Cleveland 109%
Atlanta 97%
Portland 44%
Orlando 26%
New York 17%
L.A. Lakers 14%
Washington 12%
Philadelphia 10%
Memphis 10%
-- Greg Johnson
Photo: LeBron James during a game earlier this week against the New Jersey Nets. Credit: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images
All I can say is......I love Lebron!
Posted by: Tam | November 21, 2008 at 03:01 PM
not surprising cavs have the highest local support. what else does cleveland have? of course they're going to have one of the highest increases. when your city has nothing else to watch, it's expected. the biggest cities aren't going to see the same types of growth because the attractions are already all there (anyone heard of diminishing marginal growth?). sorry, lebron's not going to improve nba ratings. remember the finals a few years ago?
Posted by: hype | November 21, 2008 at 06:12 PM
lebron is the best player since michael jordan
Posted by: marquail abram | November 24, 2008 at 07:37 AM
KOBE BRYANT BEST EVER
Posted by: Joshua K | November 24, 2008 at 09:49 AM
are you serious hype???man i guess haters just have to hate dont they????man give cleveland a break! they used to be a big market and now there small and they can still produce media attention like LA or NYC...lebron isnt the best but he is already a legend.....who cares the size of the city or diminishing marginal growth....wow i cant believe you people....craaazzzyyy...lol
Posted by: sal | November 25, 2008 at 12:35 PM
sal: why do you think what i said is hate? it's simply fact. i'm not hating on cleveland, it is what it is. whatever you say isn't going to change the fact that cleveland is a small market. i just made a simple factual observation, and you automatically take that as hate. how immature and what a typical uneducated response. leave the thinking to the intelligent folks. by the way, lebron's not even close to being a legend yet.
Posted by: hype | November 25, 2008 at 11:08 PM