Ways to improve the NBL

[Dan's Brain]

I've considered it, but i'm only a uni student studying theatre of all things. So, if i start saving now, i could probably afford a subscription for the 2030-2031 seasons. Something's gotta be done.

You may be thinking, "The problem is so large. What can i do?"

You can do plenty. I just dont know what. Somebody tell me.

[ShowMeTheMoney]

Promoting a "fun night with a game of basketball thrown in" isn't necessarily a bad way to get casual fans to come, but it's no way to build a fanbase of rabid basketball enthusiasts. If you can afford pay TV, you might as well watch the NBA. The NBL cannot and should not compete with the NBA; the goal should be to make Australian basketball fans want to watch both.

To a certain extent I can understand what the NBL is doing. I mean, basketball isn't a big time sport down under, and just like what you said what the NBL is trying to do is to try and bring in the 'casual' basketball fans or they're trying to bring in non-hoop fans and to hopefully get them interested in the game.

And from what I understand, the NBL isn't available on free TV anymore? That's definitely bad. Having games on free TV is a huuuuge step in increasing the visibility of the league. It'll go along way in getting young kids and potential fans into the game.

I've watched the NBL before, and the Melbourne Tigers also played a few exhibition games here last year and there's a lot of talent in the NBL. In fact the Tigers and the Bullets were invited to play as guest teams in the PBA later this month, but unfortunately both teams declined due to other commitments.

I think the only thing lacking in the NBL is marketing. I don't know if any of you are familiar with hoops here in the Philippines, but the top collegiate league here, the UAAP, was practically a 'small' league five years ago, most of the fans were the students of the respective schools and their alumni. But when they managed to get their games in the top TV channel in the Philippines their popularity virtually skyrocketed over-night. Now they draw bigger crowds than the PBA, more sponsors and sometimes the atmosphere rivals that of the biggest US NCAA final four matches.

It's about marketing, marketing and marketing. It's not a question of talent because the NBL has it, it's the promotion.

[Andrew]

To a certain extent I can understand what the NBL is doing. I mean, basketball isn't a big time sport down under, and just like what you said what the NBL is trying to do is to try and bring in the 'casual' basketball fans or they're trying to bring in non-hoop fans and to hopefully get them interested in the game.

Exactly, and I guess it's not a bad way of doing that. But it's irritating for those of us who are basketball fans. I still think the sport should be winning over the fans, not gimmicks and sideshows. I'm not convinced that the current marketing gimmick is bringing in fans who will fall in love with the sport.

And from what I understand, the NBL isn't available on free TV anymore? That's definitely bad. Having games on free TV is a huuuuge step in increasing the visibility of the league. It'll go along way in getting young kids and potential fans into the game.

Again, you're spot on. With no games on free to air, there is limited exposure. For all the respect and attention the NBL gets nationwide, it might as well not exist - and that's unfortunate. Losing coverage on free to air has really killed interest in basketball here in Australia. Those of us who are dedicated fans of the sport remain, but a lot of people don't take it seriously.