Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey made an appearance with Colin Cowherd on Volume Sports.
In the appearance, Morey presented a plan in which the NBA would shorten its season.
In the proposal, Morey suggested a 58-game regular season:
“I like 58. Every team plays every (other) team two times…”
Daryl Morey via Volume Sports
Not only did he suggest a 58-game regular season, but he also suggested that playoff series’ should be shortened to one and done games:
“The playoffs, I 100% agree, shorter is better… I would have it one-and-done.”
Daryl Morey via Volume Sports
On why he would shorten the playoffs, Morey said that it would boost the league’s numbers:
“There’s a reason everyone tuned into every game at huge ratings in the NFL. It is literally one-and-done.. and in the NCAA tournament, in 63 games, gets more money than we do in our entire regular season”
Daryl Morey via Volume Sports
Morey also set a goal for the NBA in his lifetime. He said that the NBA should try its best to pass the Super Bowl in popularity:
“Any sport should want more games that are close to the Super Bowl. Nothings going to beat the Super Bowl for a little while, though I think the NBA can pass the NFL in my lifetime for sure for their biggest game being a big deal.”
Daryl Morey via Volume Sports
The NFL’s most recent Super Bowl — played by the Rams and Bengals — averaged an estimated 101.1 million viewers. Game Six of the NBA finals last season peaked at 16.54 million viewers.
In order to get up to the Super Bowl’s level, the NBA is going to have to do some work and make some changes, but it is doable for a league of that size.
