In a shocking revelation during a press conference, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver urged fans struggling with rising costs to watch highlights instead of live games. With the upcoming season requiring subscriptions to multiple platforms—ABC, NBC, Peacock, ESPN, and Prime Video—Silver acknowledged the financial burden on fans, stating, “It’s become very expensive to watch the NBA.”
As streaming services proliferate, the cost of accessing games has skyrocketed, leaving many fans feeling excluded. Silver highlighted that while traditional broadcasts are dwindling, fans can still catch up on the action through free highlights on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. “There’s an enormous amount of content out there,” he emphasized, pointing to the league’s shift towards a highlight-driven experience.
This announcement comes amid significant changes in media rights, with local games increasingly returning to broadcast television, providing some relief for fans. Silver’s comments reflect a growing concern within the league about accessibility and the potential alienation of a dedicated fanbase. “We don’t want to disenfranchise people,” he stated, acknowledging the league’s mass appeal and its responsibility to reach billions globally.
As the NBA gears up for a new season, the question remains: will fans be able to keep up with the skyrocketing costs of viewing their favorite teams? Silver’s advice to watch highlights instead of live games may be a bitter pill for many, but it underscores a critical moment in sports broadcasting—a moment that could redefine how fans engage with the NBA. The clock is ticking, and as the season approaches, fans must decide how they will connect with the game they love.
