The timing of National Basketball Association game broadcasts, particularly those occurring later in the evening, is a result of several converging factors. These factors aim to maximize viewership and revenue. Games frequently begin at 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM Eastern Time, or even later on the West Coast, meaning some viewers experience considerably delayed start times. This scheduling contrasts with many other professional sports leagues that often start earlier in the day.
This scheduling maximizes television ratings. Primetime television slots, typically from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time, are most valuable to broadcasters due to higher viewership. Delaying game start times allows for broader accessibility to viewers who are typically commuting from work or completing evening activities. Furthermore, these considerations contribute to the generation of advertisement revenue, a substantial component of the NBA’s overall financial model. The league also aims to accommodate national television schedules on networks such as ESPN, TNT, and ABC, which dictate specific time slots for games throughout the week.