Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports
Television viewership of the NBA Finals, consumer credit and the Tokyo Olympics
In today’s newsletter, I discuss television viewership of the NBA Finals, consumer credit and the Tokyo Olympics.
MEDIA: NBA Finals Game 1 Viewership
Television viewership of Game 1 of the NBA Finals Tuesday night between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks grew from last year, but was still well below the audience that watched the 2019 NBA Finals.
According to Nielsen data as reported in Sports Media Watch, viewership of Game 1 grew to 8.5 million viewers, up 13% from Game 1 of last September’s NBA Finals, but down 36% from Game 1 of the 2019 Finals series.
Pink's Bottom Line
While it is encouraging that viewership of Game 1 grew year over year, last year’s finals were played in September rather than June because of the pandemic — that change of timing likely negatively impacted viewership last year.
As such, early viewership of the NBA Finals this year might actually be weaker than it appears.
If viewership per game hovers below nine million as in Game 1, that might also indicate a longer term declining trend in NBA viewership.
MONEY: Consumer Credit Increases
Consumers took on more debt in May, according to a report on Consumer Credit released by the Federal Reserve today.
Pink's Bottom Line
That Fed report suggests that consumers probably felt more confident about overall economic prospects, and were willing to take on new debt.
The data might also indicate some pent-up demand for goods following the pandemic when consumers were likely more cautious.
In any case, robust consumer spending is key to economic growth in the United States as consumer spending accounts for roughly two-thirds of overall economic activity in this country.
SPORTS: Tokyo Olympics
That means that this year’s Olympics, which already have been postponed by one year, will be unlike any other Olympics in recent memory as there will be no fans in attendance for any event.
Pink's Bottom Line
The lack of fans certainly is a major blow to Tokyo and to the organizers of the games, but the Olympics will still run on television — and other digital platforms — to viewers around the world.
In the United States, I expect that television viewership will be flat or slightly below the levels of 2016.
However, I expect the Tokyo Olympics to show a surge in digital consumption of the games in the United States, which will ultimately become as big of story about these Games as the lack of in-person spectators.
Jeremy Pink is currently COO of Geniecast, a leading virtual content and experience company. He is the former CEO of private-equity backed Broadcast Sports International where he helped lead the company to a successful sale and exit during his tenure there. He is also a former CNBC television executive in New York, London and Singapore.
The information contained in this communication is strictly for general informational and entertainment purposes and is not meant to be construed as financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. This communication is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. I am not a financial advisor or offering professional advice of any kind. Users should not act upon the content or information found within this communication without first seeking professional advice appropriate for their individual situation. Decisions based on information contained in this communication are the sole responsibility of the user, and use of this communication and its contents constitutes an explicit understanding and acceptance of the foregoing disclaimers.
(Newsletter Editor: Karina Pink)