Part 5/10:
The League’s Marketing Challenges and Fan Engagement
Beyond the financials, the NBA faces a significant challenge in marketing its young stars and engaging its core fan base. The league's reliance on legends like LeBron James and Steph Curry to carry the torch has left the younger, newer players under-promoted. The late David Stern’s reputation for savvy star marketing—championing Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron early in their careers—stands in stark contrast to today's efforts.