The NBA's ongoing battle with tanking has been a hot topic, and Commissioner Adam Silver is determined to find a solution to ensure teams deliver quality performances on the court. But tanking isn't a new phenomenon. Despite various efforts to curb it, teams have continually found ways to game the system, like benching star players to secure losses.
The Utah Jazz have recently become the poster team for this tactic, earning a $500,000 fine from the league. This move underscores the NBA's commitment to maintaining fan satisfaction, as no one wants to pay top dollar to watch a team intentionally underperform. However, Mark Cuban, the former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, argues that there's a bigger issue at play: affordability.
Cuban, known for his fan-centric approach, believes the real problem isn't just tanking but whether fans can even afford to attend games. He stated on social media that the value of families attending games and creating lasting memories should not be underestimated.
Back when Cuban took over the Mavericks in 2000, he made it a mission to keep games accessible. He introduced $2 tickets and supported initiatives like David Stern's $10 tickets post-lockout in the 1990s, ensuring that thousands of tickets were available for under $19 at every game.
These affordable options allowed fans to enjoy Mavs basketball without financial strain, fostering a loyal fanbase. Cuban acknowledged the financial hit, sacrificing about $15 per ticket, which added up to $2.4 million annually. But for him, the long-term investment in building a committed fan community was worth it.
Cuban's perspective resonates with many NBA fans who feel priced out of the live game experience. While tanking remains a pressing issue for the league to tackle, Cuban's insights remind us that ensuring fans can afford to be part of the action is equally crucial.