The NBA’s annual schedule release day is always an exciting time for basketball fans. It’s a chance to see how many nationally broadcast games your favorite team has been awarded and what that says about the league’s perception of them. The number of nationally televised games a team receives can be a good indicator of how the NBA views their potential for success and entertainment value.
The NBA is first and foremost an entertainment business, and it’s no secret that the league tends to favor teams in big markets like Los Angeles, New York, and the Bay Area. These teams often receive the most nationally broadcast games, as they are considered to have the largest fan bases and draw the most viewers. This means that perennial championship contenders like the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks are likely to have a high number of nationally televised games.
On the other end of the spectrum, teams that are expected to be at the bottom of the standings or in rebuilding phases typically receive fewer nationally broadcast games. This year, the Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, and Toronto Raptors were tied for last place with only four nationally televised games each. These teams may not have the star power or competitive edge that the league is looking to showcase on a national stage.
One of the most interesting trends this year is the rise of the Minnesota Timberwolves in terms of nationally broadcast games. The Timberwolves went from having only 10 nationally televised games last season to 25 this season, marking a significant increase in exposure. Other teams that saw a notable increase in nationally televised games include the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets.
As the NBA continues to prioritize showcasing its best teams and players, the distribution of nationally televised games will always be a topic of interest for fans. Whether your team is a perennial contender or a rising star, the number of nationally broadcast games they receive can provide insight into how the league views their potential and marketability.
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, fans can look forward to exciting matchups and storylines as the league’s top teams battle it out on the national stage. The season kicks off on October 22 with a doubleheader on TNT featuring the Knicks vs. Celtics and the Timberwolves vs. Lakers, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling year of NBA action.