NBA All-Star Game ratings rebound from last year's record low

Jonathan Lewis of Sports Media Watch added some context on why the 2024 contest had a marked improvement from a year ago.

"While some of the gain can be attributed to last year’s low bar, there are undoubtedly other factors. Among the possibilities, Warriors G Stephen Curry and Suns F Kevin Durant played in this year’s game after missing last year due to injury. The NBA returned to the East-West format after years of an All-Star draft. In addition, the NBA cut down on the lengthy pregame introductions and halftime show."

"No matter the reason, it is clear that the low-intensity nature of the game is not inherently a ratings drag. The East won 211-186 in a game that set offensive records and has since been widely criticized."

Of course, similar to the Super Bowl back on Feb. 11, the ratings and viewership totals will be adjusted in the coming days as the initial data only reflects household-level data and some age demographics.

Another reason that the game could have performed better than last year was that the league's local viewership is also up through the first half of the season compared to 2023.

The NBA champion Denver Nuggets are leading the local charge, buoyed by two-time MVP and six-time All-Star Nikola Jokic, but according to Sports Business Journal (via Awful Announcing), 18 teams have risen in local ratings. 

If more fans are invested in watching their local team, they could be equally invested in seeing their All-Stars perform at the league's starry exhibition.

Of course, there could be some hate-watching going on here as well. The same complaints have taken place for years now and yet many of the same individuals are tuning in while expressing their displeasure on social media.