""Tanking isn't the issue. Affordability and quality of game presentation are," Cuban wrote in an X post on Tuesday. "The NBA should worry more about fan experience than tanking. It should worry more about pricing fans out of games than tanking." According to Cuban, who sold his majority stake in the Mavericks in 2023 for $3.5 billion, the NBA is not in the sports business, but rather the "business of creating experiences for fans.""
""Few can remember the score from the last game they saw or went to," Cuban said. "They can't remember the dunks or shots. What they remember is who they were with. Their family, friends, a date. That's what makes the experience special." "Fans know their team can't win every game," he continued. Instead, fans want hope. "Hope they will get better and have a chance to compete for the playoffs and then maybe a ring.""
The NBA expanded playoffs and has fined franchises up to $750,000 for intentionally losing late-season games to deter tanking. A billionaire investor and former Dallas Mavericks owner advocates embracing tanking while shifting focus to affordability and quality of game presentation. Fans prioritize memories, company, and hope of future success over winning every night. Ticket pricing and premium seating contribute a significant portion of league revenue and risk pricing fans out of arenas. The league’s business centers on creating fan experiences, and improving affordability and presentation could better sustain attendance and long-term engagement.
Read at Fortune
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