Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "The Best Of Covino & Rich"

Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Covino and Rich delve into the current state of the NBA, focusing primarily on the newly introduced All-Star mini tournament. The discussion is a blend of critical analysis, fan perspectives, and expert opinions, aiming to dissect why the NBA is facing declining ratings and what might be done to rejuvenate interest in the league.

1. The NBA All-Star Mini Tournament: A Mixed Reception

Covino initiates the conversation by expressing skepticism about the NBA's decision to introduce a mini-tournament format for the All-Star Game. He likens the complexity of the new format to being off-putting for traditional American sports fans.

• Covino [03:27]: "I want to talk about the NBA and my first reaction. And who cares about my first reaction, right?"

Rich concurs, highlighting how even prominent players like Kevin Durant share his reservations.

• Rich [14:20]: "I hate it."

Hoda Kotb expands on this sentiment, arguing that the NBA's attempts at innovation might be self-sabotaging.

• Hoda Kotb [04:06]: "The NBA is doing nothing to help their own cause."

Notable Quote:

• Covino [05:17]: "I'm not mad at the NBA for trying out new things, but we discussed why are ratings down?"

2. Comparing the NBA to Other Sports

The hosts draw comparisons between the NBA and other major American sports leagues like the NFL, emphasizing how the latter manage to maintain high excitement and fan engagement without constantly overhauling formats.

• Hoda Kotb [09:08]: "Everything about the NBA is a self-criticism."

Covino argues that the NBA's approach contrasts sharply with how the NFL promotes its stars and games, which fosters a more positive and engaging environment.

• Covino [07:09]: "A broadcaster is supposed to be honest, but you're also supposed to hype things up to get people excited."

Notable Quote:

• Hoda Kotb [21:26]: "The NFL is like bro, Unicorns, Rainbow, sunshine, NFL."

3. The Role of League Ambassadors and Marketing

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the responsibility of NBA ambassadors, such as Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith, to promote the league positively. The hosts critique these figures for often focusing on the negatives rather than celebrating the sport.

• Covino [07:21]: "You're giving them reason to tune in, reason to watch."

Hoda emphasizes that lacking positive promotion from key personalities only magnifies existing issues within the NBA's narrative.

• Hoda Kotb [14:27]: "If Barkley, Shaq, and the main faces of the broadcast are talking smack about the sport, it does nothing to help."

Notable Quote:

• Hoda Kotb [20:49]: "We're not asking. And we've been accusing our video producer, Spot of not being the best salesman of shows like Spot."

4. Rating Declines and Fan Engagement

The hosts discuss the steep decline in NBA ratings since the retirement of Michael Jordan and how current star players are not resonating with fans as effectively. They touch upon quarterback-like discussions, drawing parallels to the NFL's star management.

• Covino [18:12]: "They can't compete with the NFL. No professional sport really can."

Notable Quote:

• Covino [18:51]: "The new mini tournament for the All-Star Game... we don't like it."

5. Potential Solutions and Future Directions

Covino and Rich brainstorm potential strategies the NBA could employ to regain its footing. Suggestions include reverting to traditional All-Star formats, introducing more fan-centric events, and leveraging nostalgia by involving legends like Michael Jordan to re-energize the fan base.

• Covino [27:06]: "We want to be pumped about it... the big stars are doing a bad job of selling it now."

Hoda proposes innovative scoring systems to make games more exciting, such as awarding more points for dunks to encourage aggressive play.

• Hoda Kotb [38:17]: "Any dunk, 4 points to encourage people."

Notable Quote:

• Covino [36:09]: "The faces of the NBA are not doing a good job selling this stuff."

6. Broader Sports Discussions: NFL and Beyond

While the primary focus remains on the NBA, the hosts also touch upon other sports topics, including quarterback contracts in the NFL, the performance of players like Brock Purdy, and the financial implications of high-profile signings.

• Hoda Kotb [45:50]: "We shouldn't continue to reset the quarterback market on Brock Purdy."

Notable Quote:

• Covino [48:22]: "He's not better than Burrow or anyone you mentioned. And that's not how... we have to stop."

7. Listener Interactions and Solutions

Throughout the episode, Covino and Rich engage with listener feedback, offering practical suggestions and responding to fan queries about the state of the NBA and potential improvements.

• Isaac Lowencron [27:50]: "There is no one, because I'm trying to think in music, sports, entertainment, no one is as universally like almost sickeningly, like sickeningly."

Notable Quote:

• Hoda Kotb [55:39]: "But Tom Brady would always take a little less money. I think the other layer is..."

Conclusion

Covino and Rich conclude the episode by reiterating the need for the NBA to adopt more fan-friendly approaches and to ensure that its leaders and ambassadors promote the league positively. They emphasize that without decisive and engaging changes, the NBA risks continuing its downward trajectory in viewership and fan enthusiasm.

Final Notable Quote:

• Hoda Kotb [56:07]: "But isn't there in anything in life, isn't there, like, the point where it's like. Well, that's too much. Like you're taking your daughter nothing."

Key Takeaways

• The NBA's introduction of a mini-tournament for the All-Star Game has been met with significant criticism from hosts and listeners alike.

• There is a perceived lack of positive promotion from NBA ambassadors, contributing to declining ratings and fan disengagement.

• The hosts suggest reverting to traditional formats and introducing innovative scoring to reinvigorate interest.

• Comparisons to other sports leagues, particularly the NFL, highlight potential areas for the NBA to improve its marketing and fan engagement strategies.

• Broader discussions on player contracts and the financial management within teams point to systemic issues that may be affecting the league's popularity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Covino [05:17]: "I'm not mad at the NBA for trying out new things, but we discussed why are ratings down?"

• Hoda Kotb [09:08]: "Everything about the NBA is a self-criticism."

• Covino [07:21]: "You're giving them reason to tune in, reason to watch."

• Hoda Kotb [20:49]: "We're not asking. And we've been accusing our video producer, Spot of not being the best salesman of shows like Spot."

• Covino [18:51]: "The new mini tournament for the All-Star Game... we don't like it."

• Hoda Kotb [38:17]: "Any dunk, 4 points to encourage people."

• Hoda Kotb [55:39]: "But Tom Brady would always take a little less money. I think the other layer is..."

This episode offers a candid and critical look into the challenges facing the NBA, with Covino and Rich providing insightful commentary and potential pathways for revitalizing the league's appeal.