Blazers TV viewership down nearly 50%, worst in NBA: Report
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- While overall NBA viewership has increased in local markets over the last year, the Portland Trail Blazers did not get to share in that success, according to a new report.
The report from Sports Business Journal shares that the Blazers have experienced the largest percentage drop in local TV numbers in the league. As of Feb. 6, viewership has dropped a staggering 49% from last year at this time.
The Brooklyn Nets have the second largest drop in local TV viewership at 37%, followed by the Washington Wizards (-35%), Cleveland Cavaliers (-16%) and New Orleans Pelicans (-12%)
On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets had the highest local viewership growth at 139%, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves (+107%), Phoenix Suns (+94%), Orlando Magic (+76%) and the San Antonio Spurs (+54%) -- the Spurs have the worst record in the Western Conference at 11-44.
This is the third season Blazer games have aired on Root Sports, which was removed from Xfinity's standard package before the season.
Along with trading star guard Damian Lillard to the Bucks, the Blazers (15-39) are off to their worst start after 54 games since the 1972-73 season.
KOIN 6 has reached out to the organization for comment but has not received a response.
View the full report here.