NBC promoting young superstars over LeBron James and Stephen Curry has fans excited
NBA fans were thrilled to see Victor Wembanyama, Jayson Tatum, and Giannis Antetokounmpo in NBC's new commercial.
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NBC's new commercial features Victor Wembanyama, Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo
Despite domestic NBA viewership declining this season, there are still a huge number of followers that keep up with the league daily. A sizeable chunk of NBA fans watch games just for their idols LeBron James and Stephen Curry. This means that the league always highlights them as its marquee players, taking focus away from the younger generation. However, now NBC is trying to amend this.
After thriving during the times of Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal, NBC is all set to return to the NBA as per their agreement in July. In their first ad back, NBC featured the current stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Victor Wembanyama. In the commercial, the hoopers partnered up with ’30 Rock’ star Jack McBrayer for a hilarious skit.
The commercial quickly caught the internet’s attention for its unique and fresh idea. It started off with the trio showing off their acting chops as they made fun of McBrayer. Tatum showed his truest form by showing off his championship ring, but received a fitting clapback from Antetokounmpo.
COMING THIS FALL: The stars of the @NBA are aligning on @NBC and @peacock! pic.twitter.com/FRlQk4YCTt
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) January 13, 2025
NBC will start streaming games next season to remind the hardcore fans of the nostalgia. Peacock will exclusively livestream the Monday games and NBC/Peacock will have regional doubleheaders on Tuesday nights. The iconic “NBA on NBC” will return, however, this time with the current generation.
The diehard fans excited for NBC’s inclusion of the younger generation
In the league office’s defense, the duo of LeBron James and Steph Curry are still setting the bar for viewership – a look at numbers from the Christmas game between the Lakers and Warriors reinforces this. However, the fans also want their young stars and their advanced skillsets to be highlighted.
Wemby doing things no seven-footer has done, Tatum embarrassing his defendants and Antetokounmpo stacking his stat sheet are things that are always a treat for fans. NBA Twitter seems, by and large, to approve the idea of this ad, judging from their reactions.
promoting actual stars instead of old ass lebron kd and curry https://t.co/K121wtjBLy pic.twitter.com/ORM8uOs6Cy
— fommy đłď¸ââ§ď¸ (@milehighami) January 13, 2025
There's something refreshing about this ad but I can't put my finger on it https://t.co/4L67tkywwM
— BSOLZ (@BSOLZ_) January 13, 2025
NBC promoting the actual faces of the league? This could be the best thing to happen to the NBA https://t.co/j4dmivvgwA
— Alex Sage (@sage_alex) January 13, 2025
NBC gets it, ESPN would still be trying to shove lebron and durant down our throats
— ILikeBucks (@mkeBucks11) January 13, 2025
NBC is gonna save the NBA https://t.co/A1V4K2KfCv
— Alex đ (@Dubs408) January 13, 2025
They put a Tatum meme in the commercial this is golden acting and showcasing the NEW SUPERSTARS
— ghostrider (@jacksonblaze888) January 13, 2025
Using the 3 new faces. Love this
— Nando đ (@nando17celtics) January 13, 2025
It is hard to downplay the impact of veteran stars, but newer fans are ready to see more of the fresh faces. NBC’s strong start has generated enthusiasm amongst fans as their favorite âInside the NBAâ show is also returning. It is safe to say that the fans are in for an overall upgrade of the league in the upcoming season.
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Satvika Deshpande
(381 Articles Published)