The NBA will leave social justice messaging “largely off the floor” come next season, according to commissioner Adam Silver.
The first three games of this year’s NBA Finals each set new records for all-time low ratings. Viewership rebounded slightly however, for Game 4.
Undoubtedly, the sharp decline in ratings caught the attention of Silver’s and team owners.’
“The NBA has certainly been the most visible billion-dollar organization championing social justice and civil rights. As you noted in your press conference the other day, though, that has not been universally popular. How committed are you to being that going forward?” ESPN’s Rachel Nichols asked.
“We’re completely committed to standing for social justice and racial equality and that’s been the case going back decades. It’s part of the DNA of this league. How it gets manifested is something we’re gonna have to sit down with the players and discuss for next season. I would say, in terms of the messages you see on the court and our jerseys, this was an extraordinary moment in time when we began these discussions with the players and what we all lived through this summer. My sense is there’ll be somewhat a return to normalcy, that those messages will largely be left to be delivered off the floor. And I understand those people who say I’m on your side, but I want to watch a basketball game.” Silver responded.