NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

[Deleted member 3166]

I've seen MLB playoff ads on ESPN and NBC. Also, David Stern may be despised, but he gets the job done when it comes to marketing. Bettman is like a child that has his fingers in his ears and sings he's not listening. Are you actually saying that he's doing a good job? Poll all the hockey fans. I bet he's got a 10-15% approval rating.

If you've seen ads for the World Series on Fox on those networks then Fox bought time, not MLB.
Again, the ad buying for specific games doesn't fall to the league, it falls to the network showing it and that's who your beef is with.

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

If you've seen ads for the World Series on Fox on those networks then Fox bought time, not MLB.
Again, the ad buying for specific games doesn't fall to the league, it falls to the network showing it and that's who your beef is with.

My beef is with a lot of people. First, the four-letter sports network for sabotaging the NHL. Second, the commish for being completely clueless and not striking while the iron is hot. Third, NBC for not buying time.

You didn't answer my question, First Time. Do you actually like Bettman?

 

[Deleted member 3166]

My beef is with a lot of people. First, the four-letter sports network for sabotaging the NHL. Second, the commish for being completely clueless and not striking while the iron is hot. Third, NBC for not buying time.

You didn't answer my question, First Time. Do you actually like Bettman?

I like hockey, I don't have an opinion on Bettman one way or the other.

 

[Priceless]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

I don't have an opinion on Bettman one way or the other.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0i-TYs6LtL8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
NSFW, obviously

 

[bronconick]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

Yeah, I expect the commissioner to help market his league on TV.

Further, there are 10 teams under 85% capacity. This isn't just a problem in southern cities where they face unusual challenges - Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and Montreal are all between 79-81% capacity. Montreal is beyond explanation, but the other three markets all have NBA franchises. And we aren't talking about taking ALL the fans from NBA teams, even a tiny percentage buying season tickets would be a boost.

The big idea is to get fans in the stands for a game or two. My philosophy is that hockey is a much easier game to follow on TV once you've seen a game in person. Even if you don't convert those fans into regular attendees in person, they are more likely to turn on a game after they've been to one.

I accept that there are things teams have to do themselves to market to NBA fans. I expect a lot more from our commissioner than telling NBA fans not to bother with this sport. All that does is make their job tougher - or in the case of the Dallas Stars (51% capacity) just give up.

Clearly we should totally panic because teams that normally hit 100% or better are at 80% 5 games into a season. And either you're including the Islanders, who frankly are never breaking 85% in Nassau at this stage or the Rangers, who haven't played a farking home game yet. Good job.

And you haven't explained what you want Bettman to do. Do you want him to force a ruling through the Board of Governors ordering teams to honor NBA tickets for cancelled games at half price or something? What do you want him to do? He's an employee of the owners, not a God-King who sits upon high and orders them around like lackeys. Judge Landis is dead.

 

[Priceless]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

Clearly we should totally panic because teams that normally hit 100% or better are at 80% 5 games into a season. And either you're including the Islanders, who frankly are never breaking 85% in Nassau at this stage or the Rangers, who haven't played a farking home game yet. Good job.

And you haven't explained what you want Bettman to do. Do you want him to force a ruling through the Board of Governors ordering teams to honor NBA tickets for cancelled games at half price or something? What do you want him to do? He's an employee of the owners, not a God-King who sits upon high and orders them around like lackeys. Judge Landis is dead.

He can start by not telling NBA fans "You won't like our sport, so don't bother."

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

He can start by not telling NBA fans "You won't like our sport, so don't bother."

Thank you. I guarantee you that the NBA plucked hockey fans when they had the lockout. To not even attempt to make a move proves how incompetent Bettman is.

 

[bronconick]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

Thank you. I guarantee you that the NBA plucked hockey fans when they had the lockout. To not even attempt to make a move proves how incompetent Bettman is.

Not very effectively. The 2005 NBA finals were the 2nd lowest of all time and the average regular season ratings were tied for the lowest of all time. Apparently not only did hockey fans not follow the NBA, when invited, they took NBA fans with them to go watch poker and NASCAR.

Edit: Attendance increases in NHL/NBA markets from 2003-04 to 2004-05 (lockout)

1. Miami +190,334 (might have to do with some Shaq guy)
2. Washington +59,706
3. Phoenix +55,681
4. Detroit +32,214
5. LA Clippers +30,781
6. Atlanta +20,662
7. Chicago +19,167
8. New York Knicks +14,405
9. New Jersey +5,630
10. Golden State +4,720
11. Denver +2,473
12. Dallas -3,061
13. LA Lakers -7,263
14. Boston -8,167
15. Minnesota -18,633
16. Toronto -47,200
17. Philly -55,442

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

But there were gains made in more than half of the markets. To not even bother is insane. I didn't think I'd run into the Gary Bettman Fan Club.

 

[Priceless]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

I didn't think I'd run into the Gary Bettman Fan Club.

No one expects the Gary Bettman Fan Club! Their chief weapon is surprise. Surprise and fear... fear and surprise... Their two weapons are fear and surprise...

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

Here's my argument being made for me.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jQqkjxNSWZ0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[bronconick]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

But there were gains made in more than half of the markets. To not even bother is insane. I didn't think I'd run into the Gary Bettman Fan Club.

Are you seriously trying to say that the increase of 6 people per Nuggets game was because of the mighty NBA's efforts to draw hockey fans that I apparently slept through despite totally bandwagoning on the Pistons during that time period? Hint: There wasn't one.

Miami only buys tickets when they get a superstar. Throw them out, and the entire net gain is 110,000, half of which is Phoenix, of all places. Yeah, that kind of history is totally worth putting on a $100 million league-wide campaign. You're pretty much right up there with people suggesting the NHL is stupid for not letting ESPN take games for their empty NBA slots.

I just like proving you wrong because it keeps you from whining about the Bills 24/7 like last year. Here's an idea. Instead of screaming about Bettman, why don't you start trying to convert hard core basketball fans, despite the fact they hate hockey. I'll wait for your stories of success.

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

Are you seriously trying to say that the increase of 6 people per Nuggets game was because of the mighty NBA's efforts to draw hockey fans that I apparently slept through despite totally bandwagoning on the Pistons during that time period? Hint: There wasn't one.

Miami only buys tickets when they get a superstar. Throw them out, and the entire net gain is 110,000, half of which is Phoenix, of all places. Yeah, that kind of history is totally worth putting on a $100 million league-wide campaign. You're pretty much right up there with people suggesting the NHL is stupid for not letting ESPN take games for their empty NBA slots.

I just like proving you wrong because it keeps you from whining about the Bills 24/7 like last year. Here's an idea. Instead of screaming about Bettman, why don't you start trying to convert hard core basketball fans, despite the fact they hate hockey. I'll wait for your stories of success.

Actually, I've convince a couple of hardcore Knicks fans I went to college with to go to a Rangers game this weekend.

Also, in order to be relevant, you have to have some sort of deal with ESPN. Even one or two games on the network a week would lend itself to get some more press. I don't care if people don't like it after giving it a try. I just want the league to be given its fair due instead of being written off. Let the game speak for itself and if you don't like then that's fine.

 

[hockeyplayer1015]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

Reports that the union is looking at disbanding and filing and antitrust action against the league. This would put the entire season in jeopardy. I continue to not shed a tear at these reports, I actually fully endorse these actions.

 

[unofan]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

Also, in order to be relevant, you have to have some sort of deal with ESPN.

No, you don't. Not when they treat you like crap whether you're on the ESPN family or not.

The NBA was on NBC and TNT for years before ESPN and ABC got in on the deal. And it did fine.

What the NHL needs, though, is that secondary cable presence - get USA or some other NBC-owned station to air 1-2 games a week like the NBA has with TNT.

And yeah, Bettman sucks. But this isn't really on him. It was stupid to not even attempt to target NBA fans, but unlike his early dealings trying to turn the NHL into the NBA on ice (complete with geographical sterile names for the conferences/divisions), this isn't anywhere close to being Isaiah Thomas-levels of idiocy.

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

With the NBA season possibly done, If I'm hockey... I announce a labor deal TODAY!

And nick, my Knicks fans friends that went to the Rangers game loved it and they are planning on going back a couple more times.

Totally agree with you uno. If I'm Bettman, I call the people at Turner and say I can help you fill some programming holes.

 

[Priceless]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

21	Minnesota	93.9
22	Anaheim		86.8
23	Colorado	82.3
24	Carolina	81.9
25	New Jersey	79.8
26	Florida		79.3
27	NY Islanders	77.7
29	Phoenix		61.2
30	Dallas		54.0

These are the hockey teams that have an NBA team in their market and averaging less than 96% capacity. Only #28 Columbus lacks an NBA squad (though they could theoretically go after Indianapolis and Cleveland). The League isn't going to do anything to help, but there is absolutely no reason these teams shouldn't try to target NBA fans to get butts in the seats and increase TV ratings. Even a couple of percentage points could be monumental for some of these franchises. Hopefully they aren't all as ignorant as the Stars.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

21	Minnesota	93.9
22	Anaheim		86.8
23	Colorado	82.3
24	Carolina	81.9
25	New Jersey	79.8
26	Florida		79.3
27	NY Islanders	77.7
29	Phoenix		61.2
30	Dallas		54.0

These are the hockey teams that have an NBA team in their market and averaging less than 96% capacity. Only #28 Columbus lacks an NBA squad (though they could theoretically go after Indianapolis and Cleveland). The League isn't going to do anything to help, but there is absolutely no reason these teams shouldn't try to target NBA fans to get butts in the seats and increase TV ratings. Even a couple of percentage points could be monumental for some of these franchises. Hopefully they aren't all as ignorant as the Stars.

You're certainly not from Minnesota, the Timberwolves don't have any fans to steal away...

 

[bigmrg74]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

With the NBA season possibly done, If I'm hockey... I announce a labor deal TODAY!

And nick, my Knicks fans friends that went to the Rangers game loved it and they are planning on going back a couple more times.

Totally agree with you uno. If I'm Bettman, I call the people at Turner and say I can help you fill some programming holes.

Yep.

Hell, I figure Bettmen has got to be mad as hell that Atlanta moved to Winnipeg this summer. Had they just managed to stay this season, the Thrashers might have found another local owner who had the capital to keep em down in Georgia. You would think that the local attendance would rise a bit without the Hawks absorbing a lot of the local sports dollars, and heck, sooner or later a lot of the local businesses near Atlanta's arena would have to start marking more to go after the Thrasher fans, and visa versa.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: NBA 2010-11: KobeJesus vs. the LeBronathon

Games canceled through December 15, and the players have filed class action lawsuits in California and Minnesota.