Blake Griffin Claims There’s a ‘Disconnect’ Between the NBA and Sports Fans
Blake Griffin. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Retired basketball icon Blake Griffin has expressed that the relationship between the NBA and numerous sports enthusiasts is presently strained.
Griffin, 35, who declared his retirement in April 2024 after an impressive 14-year career in the league, shared insights on the NBA’s controversial decline in viewership during an exclusive chat with Us Weekly.
“There seems to be a disconnect at the moment between the average NBA fan and the league — including teams and players,” Griffin remarked, connecting with Us through his collaboration with Red Lobster. “This is evident in the declining ratings.”
As per a report by the Sports Business Journal, NBA broadcasts on ESPN, TNT, and ABC saw a 19% decrease in viewership prior to Christmas compared to the previous season. Griffin speculated that the rapid pace of modern sports fandom complicates efforts to capture audience attention.
“The main issue is that the NBA plays every night,” Griffin commented. “Hockey is similar, correct? In contrast, football features designated days where fans gather to watch. Fans are aware that they don’t have to tune in to [NBA] games live, as they can still stay updated. They can check highlights, and they receive updates on their phones and social media while games are ongoing. They feel like they’re not missing anything.”
Despite recognizing some existing challenges within the game, Griffin — who will contribute as an analyst for Prime Video’s NBA coverage starting in October — resisted the notion that the quality of the NBA’s gameplay has diminished.
Blake Griffin. David Calvert/Getty Images for American Century Investments
“I genuinely believe that the style and pace of play might not be the core issue for fans,” he stated. “It’s often the simplest aspect for fans to critique when they’re dissatisfied or nostalgic for the past. The players today possess skills that surpass those of former eras. I don’t assert that players are better now, but the game has transformed. Teams shoot far more threes, and everyone has ball-handling abilities, with players stepping out beyond the arc. The game has just evolved.”
Griffin further added, “The debate around whether past players were superior to current ones has a straightforward answer. There’s a concept called evolution that applies to sports as well. Players become larger, more powerful, and faster.”
Before sharing his analytical insights on TV, Griffin has teamed up with Red Lobster for The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time. To commemorate the event, fans can savor Lobster Lover’s Dream Blake Griffin’s Way featuring Rock Lobster Tail, new Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster, and new Lobster Mac & Cheese all presented on a single plate.
“I’ve been enjoying Red Lobster since I was around 6 years old,” Griffin shared excitedly. “I wasn’t a fussy eater back then. Many kids often shy away from anything besides chicken tenders, but I loved exploring different foods. The Cheddar Bay Biscuits and their fries were just incredible to me as a child.”
The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time — featuring the first-ever Create-Your-Own option — continues until April 20.
Griffin humorously remarked, “I’ll be there every day.”
