NBA All-Star Draft Should Be Televised… Here’s Why
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The Inaugural 2018 NBA All-Star Draft took place January 25th, but without the proper recognition, many think it should have gotten.
The only thing missing from the All-Star Draft was the fact that the fans didn’t get to witness this exchange, similar to playground picks at recess, between Steph Curry and LeBron James.
Would a televised All-Star draft have made a difference in how Curry and James filled their rosters? We’ll never know the answer to that question. However, there are a lot of opportunities that the NBA missed out on by not televising the All-Star Draft. Here are some of the most significant missed opportunities from my perspective:
Marketing and Sponsorship Opportunities Galore
When it comes to the sports marketing perspective (see what I did there?), the opportunities were/are endless. The NBA is a growing global brand that has other companies throwing themselves at the chance to partner with a mature and advancing sports league.
By televising the All-Star Draft, the NBA could have capitalized on partnering with other brands and companies that can help them push their objectives of innovation, global growth, and sustainability to the next level. Not to mention, the ROI and the amount of revenue that the NBA could have generated from naming rights, title sponsorships, or presenting sponsorships.
New Wave of Digital Marketing
With their recent partnership with Twitch TV and their collaboration with Next VR, the NBA has a digital media/streaming platform and a virtual reality platform in the palm of their hands.
Since partnering with Twitch TV to live stream NBA G-League games, I’m sure Twitch and the G-League have seen a significant rise in subscribers and their overall brand and media value. The NBA can cater to their innovative nature by involving Twitch and Next VR and other tech brands with the NBA All-Star Draft in ways that are unique to each company.
Leverage for Existing TV Contracts
Televising the All-Star Draft would merely add another revenue stream for the NBA, through the sponsorship and marketing deals mentioned above. However, a televised All-Star Draft would also present the NBA with leverage when negotiating future cable and network television contracts.
If the NBA All-Star Draft proves to be a successful televised event, the NBA opens themselves up to receiving competing bids for the All-Star Draft TV rights.
Activations and Live Events
Similar to the NBA Draft, the NBA All-Star Draft could have the potential to become an in-demand live event - this would lead to the NBA being able to sell tickets to the All-Star Draft.
Having a live event would also open the floor for sponsors/partners to activate their NBA sponsorships. By giving sponsors and partners another event and platform where which to activate, the NBA can fulfill their business objectives and also keep their partners, sponsors and stakeholders happy.
The NBA All-Star Draft is a step in the right direction, and it takes the monotony out of the NBA All-Star game. The possibility of broadcasting the All-Star Draft in the future will better the league, and it would give us fans that other form of rivalry and competition what we’ve been waiting for from the NBA.
2018 NBA All-Star teams
Team LeBron roster
Starters
DeMarcus Cousins, Pelicans (injured)
Anthony Davis, Pelicans
Kevin Durant, Warriors
Kyrie Irving, Celtics
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Reserves
LaMarcus Aldridge, Spurs
Bradley Beal, Wizards
Andre Drummond, Pistons (replacing Wall)
Paul George, Thunder (replacing Cousins)
Kevin Love, Cavaliers (injured)
Victor Oladipo, Pacers
Kristaps Porzingis, Knicks
John Wall, Wizards (injured)
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Coach
Dwane Casey, Raptor
Team Stephen roster
Starters
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Stephen Curry, Warriors
DeMar Derozan, Raptors
Joel Embiid, 76ers
James Harden, Rockets
Reserves
Jimmy Butler, Timberwolves
Draymond Green, Warriors
Al Horford, Celtics
Damian Lillard, Trailblazers
Kyle Lowry, Raptors
Klay Thompson, Warriors
Karl-Anthony Towns, T'wolves
Coach
Mike D'Antoni, Rockets