NBA Profits from Big Ratings Gains

May 22 - The NBA's broadcast partners, TNT and ESPN/ABC, reported significant ratings gains for the regular season of close to 20 percent, according to industry sources. The playoff numbers look good as well, with TNT improving its audience by a solid 10 percent over last year for the first round. ESPN reported that its playoff ratings rose 31 percent on ABC and 28 percent on the ESPN network itself.

This increase signals that casual fans might as last be returning to the league after years of desertion. In the late '70s, fans had to watch the NBA Finals on tape delay. Then came Larry and Magic and their epic duels. Add to the mix Dr. J and Moses, and the NBA was fun to watch back then. Then came the Michael Jordan era, but eventually he, too, had to fade out eventually to give rise to a new crop of superstars.

Currently, popularity is - more or less -- balanced between Kobe, LeBron, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard. The continued influx of international players has brought in a growing global audience.

KobeBryantDVD.com has Kobe Bryant DVDs for sale, like the full game DVD of Kobe's 81-point game on 01/22/06, Lakers vs. Toronto. We also carry apparel like the Kobe Bryant infant jersey and Kobe Bryant's black Crazy 8 sneakers. Michael Jordan DVDs are also offered for the same low price: MJ's 69-point game against Cleveland and his "double-nickel" 55-point gem against the Knicks.

Do you like our site? If you have any comments or suggestions on how we can improve, please e-mail us at: sales@kobebryantdvd.com.