The journey of the NBA’s popularity has been full of ups and downs. While the 1990s were known for Michael Jordan and a highly physical style of play, today’s era is defined by digital engagement and three-point shooting.
In the 1990s, the NBA was at the peak of its popularity. The biggest reason behind this was the dominance of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
The 1998 NBA Finals (Bulls vs Jazz) made history. Game 6 was watched by an average of 35.8 million viewers, which still remains a record today.
Back then, the game was dominated by physical strength and mid-range jump shots. Players like Tim Duncan and Hakeem Olajuwon were known for their elite footwork and post moves.
Today, the NBA has become global, but traditional TV ratings have declined. Recent stats (2024–25) show that the regular season averaged around 1.53 million viewers, which is 2% lower than the previous year.
However, while TV ratings are down, digital reach has grown significantly. By the end of the 2025–26 season, more than 87 million people watched games across national TV and streaming platforms (NBC/Peacock, Amazon Prime Video), marking the highest reach in 15 years.
Viewership in France has increased by 23%, and international subscriptions to NBA League Pass have also seen massive growth.
1990s (Jordan Era) vs Modern Era
Average Finals Viewership — 25–30 million vs 10–12 million
Game Style — Physical defense, post play vs Three-point shooting, fast pace
Three-point attempts — Less than 10 per game vs 35+ per game
Viewing method — Cable/Broadcast TV vs Streaming & social media clips
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged the decline in TV ratings but pointed to the league’s new $76 billion media deal, calling it a “shift toward streaming.”
Paul George has criticized modern coaching, saying the game has moved far away from the old physical style.
Many old-school fans believe today’s game has become more like a “three-point shootout,” lacking the intense rivalries of the 90s.
The NBA’s popularity hasn’t really “fallen” — it has evolved. People today prefer watching highlights and clips on social media rather than sitting through full games on TV.