“This Is Not the Super Bowl”: After Record Decline in Viewership, Adam Silver ‘Takes Responsibility’ to Change the All-Star Game

The All-Star weekend was once regarded as one of the most fun times of the sporting calendar when the biggest basketball players in the league team up and play for the same team. However, the weekend and the All-Star Game, in particular, has lost its touch and fanfare over the years. According to a majority of NBA fans, the lack of effort from the players has been the major reason behind the dip in viewership and fanfare. NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently chimed in and talked about the problem.

After a chat with a 13-time NBA All-Star, Silver is ready to make some huge changes to the format of the All-Star game which might not sit well with some players.

Adam Silver set to take charge and change to the All-Star game

Let’s face it. The All-Star game isn’t what it used to be before and the fanfare around the sporting extravaganza has dropped massively over the past few seasons.

Although big names like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and many others regularly take part in the All-Star game, there seems to be little to no interest in the fans.

The biggest reason is the nonchalant attitude of the players. After a chat with Chris Paul, who is a 13-time NBA All-Star, Silver was notified that the various distractions before and during the All-Star game disrupts the normal match routine for a player. Taking cognizance of this matter, Silver has promised to ‘take responsibility’ and make some major changes to the format which will help to gain some viewership back.

READ MORE: Despite Bronny James’ Health Condition, Can LeBron James’ Son Become an NCAA Champion at USC?

“I anticipate we’ll still have halftime entertainment. But it won’t be as long. I recognize this is not the Super Bowl. It’s an All-Star Game. It’s a different vibe, and we can still have an entertaining halftime but get the guys back on the floor in a more reasonable time”, said Silver as per ESPN.

The NBA commissioner drew parallels with the NFL Super Bowl, which has one of the most extravagant half-time shows in the sporting world. This comes just weeks after Silver announced a major change in the game format, which will hopefully work in favor of the NBA. The concept of captains has been revoked, which has been in place for the past six seasons.

What changes have already taken place?

A few days ago, the NBA revealed its plans for the All-Star game. The game will go back to its original East vs West format after trying out a new format for the past few seasons.

The results didn’t clearly work out the way Silver wanted it to go. The 2023 NBA All-Star game had the least viewership ratings as numbers dropped by 27% and ratings dropped by 29%. Are you looking forward to the All-Star game? Let us know in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Bad News for LeBron James With 16yo Son Bryce Set to Serve a Long Sit Out Period at Notre Dame