Will the NBA’s popularity decline after the lockout ends- an economic consequence?

Will the NBA’s popularity decline after the lockout ends due the Great Recession and fans’ anger with wealthy owners and wealthy players?

The NBA had another lockout which occurred right after the 1998 season. The lockout wiped out 32 games of the 1998–1999 season.

It was reported the lockout had caused fan apathy.

Duration: July 1, 1998 – Jan. 6, 1999 (191 days)

Effect on Season: The season was shortened from 82 games to 50. A total of 928 games were lost.

Attendance and TV ratings were said to have declined. 

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NBA’s biggest star in his home state as an owner

Michael Jordan, retired from the Chicago Bulls during that lockout and again later from the Washington Wizards. Today, Jordan is majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Charlotte is a city that has been greatly impacted by the Great Recession. In the 2010-2011 season Jordan’s Bobcats ranked 21 out 30 teams in home attendance, just below the Houston Rockets and above the Atlanta Hawks. Attendance has been a battle in Charlotte ever since their cherished Charlotte Hornets departed south to New Orleans. Many Charlotte fans currently say they have had a hard time supporting the city’s 2nd NBA team due to its name being assocated with its former owner, Bob Johnson. Charlotte was no fan of Bob and Bob seemed to be no fan of that city. Fans suggest that Michael Jordon should change the teams name and colors and this might just add to increasing the fan base and increase sales of team products. But, with fans understanding that the lockout was a battle between billionaires and millionaires, during the Great Recession, will they be so interested in seeing this NBA team play in Charlotte this season?