Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: NBA ASG & Stafford
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Title: Hour 3: NBA ASG & Stafford
1. Introduction
In the third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into the declining viewership numbers of the NBA All-Star Game (ASG) and transition into a heated discussion about Matthew Stafford's future with the Los Angeles Rams. This episode provides insightful analysis on sports broadcasting trends and the strategic decisions facing major sports franchises.
2. NBA All-Star Game Viewership Decline
Peter Rosenberg kicks off the conversation by revealing concerning statistics about the NBA ASG:
"What if I told you that the audience was the second lowest ever watched All Star Game?"
[00:57]
Don Hahn responds with skepticism regarding the backlash the event has received:
"I wouldn't be surprised the way it got bashed."
[01:09]
Chris Canty offers a contrasting view, seeing modest declines as positive:
"Honestly, I'd say that's pretty good news. I was worried it would be the worst."
[01:12]
Despite these reassurances, Peter Rosenberg emphasizes that the ASG's viewership has consistently been underperforming since 2015, highlighting a decade-long trend of declining audiences:
"They were never under 6 million for the rest of the century. Like that's the last three years. The audience is telling you we're done, we're out."
[04:27]
3. Comparison with Four Nations Hockey Event
The hosts compare the NBA ASG's performance with the recently aired Four Nations hockey event:
Peter Rosenberg mentions the viewership numbers for Four Nations:
"What is that in just in the U.S.? What was the Four Nations? That was Saturday night..."
[01:15]
Don Hahn provides the specific viewership figure:
"4.444."
[01:34]
After some back-and-forth estimates, they conclude that the ASG narrowly outperformed Four Nations:
"Yeah. No, actually, Don, it was very close to the four nations. 4.7."
[01:57]
Chris Canty adds context by noting the scheduling conflicts and competition with popular shows like Saturday Night Live:
"They were up against SNL, which SNL."
[02:23]
4. Reasons for Low Ratings
The discussion identifies several factors contributing to the ASG's poor performance:
-
Scheduling Conflicts: The ASG being aired against established programs like SNL and Four Nations hockey reduced its potential audience.
"They did. They were up against SNL, which SNL did very well."
[02:23] -
Player Engagement: Players reportedly felt something was missing during the event, leading to a lackluster performance that didn't resonate with fans.
"The players are saying that it just had like there was something missing."
[05:01] -
Event Format Issues: The skills competition was criticized for becoming a novelty rather than showcasing true athletic talent, with players exploiting loopholes to win rather than genuinely competing.
"Instead of taking the tuck because it's how fast you can complete the course when many AMA and Chris Paul, instead of shooting the ball, they just took the ball off the rack and dropped it, just threw it."
[08:01] -
Length and Content Quality: The extended duration with minimal actual game time left viewers disengaged.
"By the way, it was three hours long and there was less than 40 minutes of actual game time."
[13:12]
5. Possible Consequences and Recommendations
The hosts debate the sustainability of the ASG given its declining ratings:
-
PR Impact vs. Financial Gains: Don Hahn questions whether the league should continue the event despite the negative publicity, weighing the potential sponsorship revenue against the reputational damage.
"Is it worth the PR hit? Because that's what you got. You got eviscerated on Saturday."
[04:34] -
Future Viability: Peter Rosenberg argues that the ASG should be reevaluated and potentially scrapped in favor of formats that better engage audiences.
"They have got to scrap this instead of trying to salvage it with new novelties and all. It's over."
[04:27] -
Potential Formats: Suggestions include reverting to the traditional East vs. West format or integrating fan-voted participation with higher accountability for players.
"What if the fans voted on who they wanted in the contests and the players had to do it?"
[11:05]
6. Transition to NFL: Matthew Stafford and the Giants
Shifting gears, the conversation moves to the NFL, focusing on Matthew Stafford's uncertain future with the Los Angeles Rams and the implications for the New York Giants.
Peter Rosenberg references Adam Schefter's insights:
"Adam Schefter on his podcast talked about Matthew Stafford and his future with the Rams that they are negotiating..."
[27:50]
Don Hahn expresses skepticism about trading Stafford to the Giants, questioning the team's ability to integrate a veteran quarterback without sacrificing future prospects:
"I don't know what sense it would make to bring in Matthew Stafford and Cooper cup and draft Travis Hunter and try to be the best version of... as this season turned into a contender season for the Capitals."
[27:56]
7. Discussion on Giants' Quarterback Situation
The hosts engage in a robust debate over the Giants' strategy concerning their quarterback position:
-
Don Hahn advocates for exploring options to acquire Stafford without compromising the team's future, emphasizing the need to win games to restore franchise pride:
"Why am I bringing Cooper cup bringing this guy? Well, aren't... Don't you want to be in the business of starting to win some games here or just because you can't win a championship..."
[28:20] -
Chris Canty aligns with Hahn's perspective, emphasizing the importance of building for the future rather than settling for mediocrity:
"If the purpose is to be able to put something presentable on the field... I'm with Dave. No, no interest. If it in any way sacrifices the long term building of this team..."
[30:19] -
Peter Rosenberg highlights the pitfalls of the Giants' current strategy, urging the organization to make decisive moves to secure a competitive edge:
"You can't keep doing this to the brand. What's the end game here... you just see, hitting the pause button."
[30:35]
The discussion underscores the tension between immediate success and long-term team development, with the Giants at a crossroads on how to best position themselves for future triumphs.
8. Conclusion
By the episode's end, the hosts reiterate the critical need for both the NBA and NFL to reassess their current strategies. For the NBA, revitalizing the All-Star Game is essential to regain viewer interest and maintain its position in the sports landscape. In the NFL, the Giants must balance the urgency to win now with the imperative to cultivate a sustainable, competitive team for the future.
Don Hahn sums up the sentiment:
"Everybody wants the quick fix. Everyone wants the Philadelphia 76ers. Trust the process. That's not how it works in sports."
[48:36]
The trio concludes with a call to action for sports franchises to make informed, strategic decisions that prioritize both present achievements and future potential.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- "What if I told you that the audience was the second lowest ever watched All Star Game?" – Peter Rosenberg [00:57]
- "Is it worth the PR hit? Because that's what you got. You got eviscerated on Saturday." – Don Hahn [04:34]
- "They have got to scrap this instead of trying to salvage it with new novelties and all. It's over." – Peter Rosenberg [04:27]
- "Everybody wants the quick fix. Everyone wants the Philadelphia 76ers. Trust the process. That's not how it works in sports." – Don Hahn [48:36]
Final Thoughts
This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing major sports events and franchises. From the NBA's struggling All-Star Game to the NFL's quarterback dilemmas, the hosts offer nuanced perspectives that highlight the complexities of sports management in a competitive entertainment landscape.
For more insights and discussions, subscribe to the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast on ESPN New York, the ESPN New York app, or your preferred podcast platform.