NBA fan survey results: Warriors, Celtics voted favorite team, Pelicans, Clippers worst

The Athletic’s NBA fan survey results are finally in! We asked NBA fans 20 questions, including their thoughts on the league as a whole. We received an impressive 6,380 responses, which is a great turnout. While it’s important to note that this survey is not scientifically accurate, it provides valuable insights into the habits and demographics of NBA fans.

One notable finding is that NBA fans tend to be younger, with the majority (57.1 percent) falling between the ages of 26 and 45. This aligns with previous research showing that the NBA has a relatively young fan base compared to other major professional sports leagues.

When it comes to attending NBA games, the plurality of respondents don’t attend any games at all, while a majority only go to a few. This could be due to various factors, such as living in areas without NBA teams or not being located near a major city.

Surprisingly, a large majority of respondents (over two-thirds) expressed satisfaction with the current state of the NBA. They enjoy the fast-paced, high-scoring nature of the game, which has evolved significantly over the past decade.

In terms of media consumption, television remains the top platform for watching NBA games, according to our respondents. However, there are interesting trends emerging, with a significant portion of fans (22.5 percent) watching games on streaming services like YouTubeTV, Hulu, or Sling. Another 23 percent primarily watch through League Pass. This suggests that the number of NBA fans using streaming options may continue to rise in the future.

When it comes to determining the best player in the NBA, Nikola Jokić emerged as the clear winner in our survey. With two MVP awards, an NBA title, and a Finals MVP over the past three seasons, Jokić is undeniable. It’s surprising that Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP, received such a low percentage of the vote.

Load management is a topic that both the NBA and our respondents agree needs addressing. Nearly 70 percent of voters believe it’s an issue that requires attention from the league. The NBA has already taken steps to address this concern, such as implementing games played minimums for postseason awards. However, there is still some debate among head coaches regarding the effectiveness of load management strategies.

In terms of expansion, the majority of respondents (69.4 percent) support the idea of the NBA expanding. Seattle and Las Vegas are the top choices for new franchises, with Seattle being the clear favorite among those surveyed. There is also a small percentage (6.5 percent) of fans who would like to see the NBA go international, with cities like Mexico City, London, and Paris being potential destinations.

It seems NBA fans are open to experimentation and change. A vast majority (79.9 percent) expressed enthusiasm for the NBA’s recent introduction of the Play-In Tournament and other new initiatives. This willingness to embrace new ideas extends to the In-Season Tournament, which garnered significant interest from respondents.

There is a growing interest in sports betting among NBA fans, although it is not yet widely popular. About 71 percent of respondents stated they haven’t bet on an NBA game in the past year. However, almost 30 percent of respondents have placed bets within that same timeframe. It will be interesting to see how these numbers evolve as sports betting becomes more legalized and integrated into the NBA’s media landscape.

Overall, The Athletic’s NBA fan survey provides valuable insights into the preferences and behaviors of NBA fans. While not scientific, this survey offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the league and its fan base.

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Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.