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Beyond the finals' matchup, a larger issue looms over the NBA: its relationship with ESPN, a network accused of prioritizing identity politics over quality content. This year, ESPN's lackluster NBA coverage has drawn criticism, raising questions about how the network that once thrived off the league's popularity has faltered in delivering engaging and insightful basketball commentary.
ESPN's financial dependence on the NBA cannot be overstated. The league provides vital programming that helps sustain ESPN's relevance in a landscape cluttered with competition, such as college sports and the WNBA. However, as the conversation around NBA Finals coverage intensifies, a prevailing thought is whether the network is doing justice to the sport.