By Herman M. Lagon
The GOAT debate is not going anywhere, but here’s the truth: NBA viewership has dropped since Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant left, and even with social media’s reach, the league has not recaptured the magic of its golden years. So, if today’s stars are GOAT materials, why aren’t more fans tuning in to watch?
Back then, the NBA was not just a sport but a global phenomenon. Living rooms, sports centers, school hallways, and barangay courts buzzed with debates over Jordan’s Bulls or Kobe’s Lakers. Even regular-season games felt like showstopping events and All-Star matchups brought fierce competition, not just entertainment. Today, the spark is missing — All-Star games feel like practice runs, regular games turn into shabby displays, and excitement has nosedived.
Ratings reflect this decline. Nielsen reports show that NBA viewership has dropped significantly since the early 2000s, coinciding with the retirements of Jordan and, later, Kobe. A Morning Consult survey highlights that older fans dominate the NBA’s audience, while younger generations seem disengaged. This raises a question: If modern players are worthy of the GOAT title, why hasn’t their presence reignited fan enthusiasm onsite and online?
Part of the answer lies in the evolution of the game. Jordan and Kobe’s era thrived on rivalries, grit, athleticism, and artistry. Watching the Bulls battle the Bad Boy Pistons was a game and a war. Today, the NBA often feels like a three-point contest, with defenses taking a backseat. For many fans, the intensity and balance of the game have been lost. Some say this is due to a lack of parity in the league; others say players see it more as a business, which lessens their spunk on the court and pride for their teams.
Like Jordan, Kobe was not just a player; he was a cultural icon. The mamba mentality, like the Air Jordan brand, symbolized greatness even before social media existed. While today’s players have massive platforms, the magic of watching basketball history unfold live has been diluted by highlight Facebook reels, YouTube videos, and TikTok clips.
Another factor is the league’s changing identity. Jordan and Kobe stayed loyal to their teams, building dynasties for which fans could root. Today’s frequent trades and super teams make building lasting rivalries or emotional connections harder. Fans crave the storylines that defined the golden era of basketball.
Today’s players are definitely talented. In different ways, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, and Jayson Tatum have changed the game. But greatness is about making legendary memories, not just talent, stats, or longevity. Jordan’s 1989 “The Shot” and 1997 flu game and Kobe’s 2006 81-point game have united fans and defined eras.
The decline in viewership reveals a deeper truth: No one has replaced Jordan and Kobe. Their ability to inspire and captivate fans on and off the court remains unmatched. The NBA’s shine has faded even in basketball-loving nations like ours. Where fans once debated every regular game, not just playoff detail, now the passion feels muted.
The GOAT debate should end not to downplay others’ greatness but to acknowledge Jordan’s unmatched legacy and Kobe’s mamba mentality. The numbers and millions of fans who stopped watching after their era do not lie. Until the NBA recaptures that magic, the league will continue to struggle. Jordan and Kobe were not just the 1-2 GOAT punch; they were the heartbeat of basketball — a rhythm the NBA must rediscover to truly move forward.
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with./WDJ