NBA Finals Could Be Least-Watched Ever: Author Predicts Ratings Disaster

An Indiana-OKC NBA Finals? A Ratings Disaster, Author Claims The possibility of a matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals has sparked debate, with NYT best-selling author Jeff Pearlman weighing in with a rather pessimistic prediction. Pearlman, known for his sports analysis, claims such a scenario would be a significant ratings disappointment for the league. "An Indiana-OKC NBA Finals might be a compelling basketball matchup, but it’s a disaster for the league," Pearlman stated in a recent video. His concern stems from the smaller market sizes of both teams compared to traditional NBA powerhouses. He points out that "most of America doesn't really care about" these teams, which could translate to lower viewership. While acknowledging Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP win, Pearlman emphasizes the lack of other marquee stars on either team. He argues that this lack of widespread name recognition could further dampen viewership. "Two teams without major stars," he notes, "is going to sound weird." His analysis highlights the importance of star power and market size in driving NBA Finals viewership. Despite the potential for a close and competitive series, Pearlman's analysis raises valid concerns about the broader impact of such a matchup on the NBA's financial success and overall media attention.