Why is the NBA the least popular sport nowadays?

[Scott Pippen]

Well, ever since Michael Jordan retired, the interest in basketball for casual fans really dropped for some reason. Especially in the international markets. China would be an exception though due to Yao. Anyway, I thought Lebron would increase the popularity of the NBA in the general public and have a Tiger Woods/MJ impact but in reality he hasn't.

Also, the league has definately gained a more hip-hop image compared to Jordan's era. I don't care about this , but for the average ,conservative, middle aged public, this doesn't seem to be desirable.

Globally, NBA is still the most popular American sports league, but in the US. it obviously isn't.

I don't think Jordan is the only reason. He is huge reason, but not the only one. Remember the Lakers/Celtics matchups of the 1980s. Also in general basketball was better then. Before 2007-08, the NBA was not very good with talent. The 2 best players in the NBA were on lottery teams. I think the NBA is now slowly recovering after the last 10+ seasons of subpar ball (besides a few teams and the West in 2001). Do not forget all the flopping and defensive rules.

I am upset with myself for even taking the league seriously when they said they would fine floppers. They wouldn't dare. Not in today's game. But the good news is that we are now in a new era and the NBA is back! At least better than it was a few years ago.

[Hawker]

NBA more popular than MLB? Hardly true. Just look at how much some of the MLB teams are worth. Yankees alone are the 2nd biggest sports franchise in the world money-wise I believe after some soccer team.

More like the greatest sports team in the world: Manchester United.

[Alonzo Magic]

More like the greatest sports team in the world: Manchester United.

How so?

[MMM]

the nba might be more popular then the NHL but it is not by a wide gap that a lot of you think. The Nhl has rebounded since its work stopage and is seeing higher numbers at the gates outdrawing the Nba in many markets.

[Slam13]

That is only in the US, outside of it NBA is by far the most popular, followed by NHL, NFL and MLB are virtually non-existent outside of the US.

Overall I'd say NBA is by far the most popular because it is known and followed in nearly all countries in the world.... NHL is followed by northern countries mostly, but also balcan countries, MLB and NFL isn't watched anywhere else outside of US/Canada afaik.

[MMM]

That is only in the US, outside of it NBA is by far the most popular, followed by NHL, NFL and MLB are virtually non-existent outside of the US.

Overall I'd say NBA is by far the most popular because it is known and followed in nearly all countries in the world.... NHL is followed by northern countries mostly, but also balcan countries, MLB and NFL isn't watched anywhere else outside of US/Canada afaik.

in europe Hockey is as popular as basketball but if we are going by the leagues yes the NBA is more popular.

[kap]

you guys know that people spent up to 10 grand per seat for the lakers celtics game?

[TmacsRockets]

I'm talking out of the big 4 (basketball, baseball, football, hockey) it seems like the NBA keeps on going lower and lower each season in terms of popularity. Especially here in Chicago. Once in a while you'll hear people talk about Derrick Rose but that's about it. Before this season the Bulls at least were talked about more than the Blackhawks but now I'd say that NHL has replaced the NBA as the 3rd best sport at least around here.

When it comes to teams...

1.) Bears
2.) Cubs
3.) White Sox
4.) Blackhawks
5.) Bulls

Sports...

1.) NFL
2.) MLB
3.) NHL
4.) NBA

What does David Stern need to do to make the NBA popular again? Even before the Blackhawks got really good this season I would talk to a lot of hardcore sports fans who would say that they prefer college basketball over the NBA. David Stern has got to do something to change the image of the NBA for the better.

NBa has the worst officiating.

[Slam13]

overall sport popularity worldwide is like this

soccer (+indoors/beach)
basketball
tennis (+tabletennis)
hockey (+field)
volleyball (+beach)
rugby
handball
baseball (+cricket)
american football

I'm pretty sure NBA is the most watched of the major US leagues, even inside the USA they might be second behind NFL.

[LJJ]

overall sport popularity worldwide is like this

soccer (+indoors)
basketball
tennis (+tabletennis)
rugby
hockey
volleyball
handball
american football
baseball (+cricket)

I'm pretty sure NBA is the most watched of the major US leagues, even inside the USA they might be second behind NFL.

I don't think Basketball is the second most popular sport worldwide.

It is more popular than American football and baseball.

[Rekindled]

in michigan

pistons/wings



tigers



















lions

[Rekindled]

I don't think Basketball is the second most popular sport worldwide.

It is more popular than American football and baseball.

when it's the no.1 sport in china , it should automaticly become the most popular sport worldwide.

[Slam13]

I don't think Basketball is the second most popular sport worldwide.

It is more popular than American football and baseball.

I think it is, it is a top 3 sport in most countries of the world, in my country it is #1, soccer being #2.
soccer is usually the #1 sport worldwide, in US it is I think #5, but basketball is #2 or #3 in USA.

I don't know what else would be the second most popular sport behind soccer, its basketball for sure.

[Slam13]

when it's the no.1 sport in china , it should automaticly become the most popular sport worldwide.

soccer is #1 and its not even close, but yes basketball is #2 for sure.

I think for regions its like this

Europe overall soccer #1 by far, basketball #2, in some places it is different like baltic countries basketball is #1 and in scandinavia hockey is #1.
Russia I think soccer #1, hockey #2, basketball #3.

Africa soccer #1, don't know what else they do there, basketball is probably #2

South america soccer #1 by far, I think volleyball might be #2 there.

Mexico soccer #1

Middle east soccer #1

About Asia I dont know, many things are popular there like gymnastics tabletennis cricket basketball soccer etc...in South Korea e-sports #1

Australia/New Zealand I think rugby #1, cricket #2, soccer/basketball #3

[AItheAnswer3]

More like the greatest sports team in the world: Manchester United.

Please.