Part 7/8:
Moreover, the emergence of online culture and content curation greatly influences how fans engage with basketball. Short highlights dominate social media, often eclipsing live game viewership. The NBA’s challenge lies in capturing a sustainable place within this new digital landscape while preserving the excitement of the game itself.
In juxtaposition with other sports, such as baseball—where narrative, statistics, and moment-to-moment highlights are critical—basketball must articulate its identity beyond just athletic prowess. While players like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic have unique styles and skills, their appeal to younger audiences often pales in comparison to the electrifying plays of younger talents.