It will get better in New York, but for now–the Knicks are toxic to the NBA’s television ratings.
When the NBA released the national TV schedule in August, the Knicks were all over the place–with 16 appearances–tied for ninth most in the league.
Now with the team headed for the lottery, Carmelo Anthony injured and Phil Jackson blowing up the pieces, ESPN has scrapped the Knicks from the television schedule all together. New York has already played four games on the network, but the world wide leader will scrap these remaining five for better matchups.
New York at San Antonio – Dec. 10
Dallas at New York – Dec. 16
Oklahoma City at New York – Jan. 28
New York at Brooklyn – Feb. 6
Los Angeles (Clippers) at New York – March 25
ESPN will no longer televise New York’s Feb. 6 game in Brooklyn, opting instead for Los Angeles Clippers-Toronto Raptors, or its March 25 home game against the Clippers, changing to Chicago Bulls-Raptors, the National Basketball Association said.
“The Knicks come with a built-in advantage — the additional media exposure that comes with playing in the nation’s largest television market,” said consultant Lee Berke, chief executive officer of LHB Sports, Entertainment and Media. “But when you’ve lost 13 straight and your record is 5-33, it doesn’t matter where your team is located. You’re no longer a national ratings draw.”