Virtual fans attend the NBA games virtually instead of in person on Aug. 10

The NBA falls short in revenue projections

The NBA decreases 1.5 billion dollars in revenue projection after a rough year due to the pandemic and other factors

December 14, 2020

COVID-19 has hit many very hard, including the NBA, which has suffered in the last year. After many recent losses and disappointments, the NBA suffered yet another punch in the gut. After being the first pro-league to suspend play due to COVID-19, the NBA has made 1.5 billion dollars less than what was projected in the previous season.

This graph shows the revenue from the National Basketball Association from the 2014/15 season to the 2019/20 season. The National Basketball Association revenue increased from 5.18 to 8.76 from 2014 to 2019, but decreased to 8.3 billion in the 2019/20 season. — This graph shows the National Basketball Association’s revenue from the 2014/15 season to the 2019/20 season. The National Basketball Association revenue increased from 5.18 to 8.76 from 2014 to 2019 but decreased to 8.3 billion in the 2019/20 season (Graph by Karla Balderas, Data source by Christina Gough/Statists)

The league first shut down back on March 11, eventually returning to play months later. The league only returned for fewer games than a regular season. Games were held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Florida. Even though teams were allowed back on the court, restricted access was implemented, which had an estimated cost of 200 million dollars. This led to a drastic loss in revenue.

With the initial lockdown due to the pandemic, 171 league games had to be tabled. This forced the NBA into further losses. The league implemented an all-inclusive bubble, but there was still a lack of attendance even with these safety restrictions.

The NBA league board has already begun to discuss when to begin the 2020-2021 season. There will potentially be fan attendance and a possible shortened schedule. The goal is to get started with the season by Christmas to gain momentum.

According to a report made on Friday, Oct. 23, the NBA hopes to start the season by Dec. 22. They plan to have 72 league games rather than 81; the entire season would be ending before next year’s Summer Olympics that are planned to take place in Tokyo on July 23.