ESPN has access to the hottest NBA sports content right now right in time for a “Ratings” period.
With the pandemic still a major issue around the world, there is not a lot of sports content right now. Everyone sports business is struggling waiting for the sports leagues to get the go ahead to safely get the players back on their respective playing stations whether it is the NFL, NBA, NHL, PGA, tennis etc. Up until last month, ESPN was feeling the pinch as well.
Then, Sunday at 9:00 PM EST became must see TV.
Since the documentary started, it seems that everyone is looking to capitalize on the popularity of the broadcasts. The Last Dance has smashed records for viewership for 30 for 30 documentaries almost 3 to 1. While ESPN has The Last Dance to garner attention to the rest of their programming.
Fox Sports does not. This will show big time at the end of the month during one of the four months of major television ratings. Those months are February, May, July and November. These months are important for the sales department.
The ratings show how many viewers watch the programming so the prices can be set for sponsors. Plus it also can put potential shows on the chopping blocks for low viewership.
All sports programming bottomed out when the COVID-19 pandemic came out of nowhere. ESPN right now can tread water thanks to the Jordan documentary. Plus, ESPN has provided a ton of exposure for LeBron James with constant discussions and comparisons to Jordan in G.O.A.T conversations.
Fox Sports have gone the other way by criticizing LeBron James in numerous avenues, particularly Skip Bayless using Michael Jordan to tear down the accomplishments of James. Jason Whitlock has taken his criticisms beyond the hardwood.
It’s not like he hasn’t done it before.