NBA’s ratings rise, Phoenix Suns’ local TV ratings drop
Feb 20, 2018, 2:52 PM | Updated: 8:13 pm
Phoenix Suns guard Davon Reed, left, tries to drive past San Antonio Spurs guard Brandon Paul during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, in Phoenix. The Spurs defeated the Suns 129-81. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Phoenix Suns currently hold a share of the worst record in the NBA at 18-41. While some fans have still been tuning in despite the team’s struggles, others have not compared to last season.
According to Sports Business Journal, NBA television ratings in national and some regional sports networks are on the rise. However, the Suns are among 10 teams whose viewership has decreased.
Phoenix is tied for the fifth-worst score with a ranking of 0.64 on FOX Sports Arizona during the 2017-18 season. By comparison, the Golden State Warriors, whose local network is NBC Sports Bay Area, own the the top ranking in the league at 8.87.
Expanding beyond the overall ratings, the change in rating was analyzed with the Suns showing the second-largest change, as they’ve had a 46 percent decrease. Only Atlanta, whose ratings are down 50 percent, saw a larger drop.
Despite some of the drops in viewership in some local markets, the NBA continues to grow its audience.
Regional sports networks have had a 7 percent increase in ratings while nationally televised games (ESPN, TNT, ABC and NBA TV) have experienced a combined jump in viewership by 15 percent.
