Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, with a massive global following. However, there have been concerns about declining attendance at basketball games, especially in college basketball, where several conferences have seen double-digit decreases in the percentage of seats filled. On the other hand, the NBA has consistently broken attendance records, with the 2023-24 season setting new benchmarks in total attendance, average attendance, and sellouts. While TV ratings may fluctuate and media narratives may vary, the numbers suggest that basketball continues to draw fans to arenas, with the sport's popularity remaining strong.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| NBA attendance in 2023-24 | 22,538,518 |
| NBA average attendance in 2023-24 | 18,324 |
| NBA average attendance in 2024-25 | 18,088 |
| NBA average attendance in 2025-26 | 18,147 |
| NBA percentage of capacity in 2023-24 | 98% |
| NBA percentage of capacity in 2024-25 | 97% |
| NBA number of sellouts in 2023-24 | 873 |
| NBA number of games sold out in 2023-24 | 71% |
| NBA number of teams that sold out every game in 2023-24 | 12 |
| NBA number of teams that sold out every game in 2025-26 | 10 |
| Clippers attendance drop in 2025-26 | -12.6% |
| College basketball attendance influence | Home-court advantage, winning games, arena size |
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What You'll Learn
NBA attendance records
While TV ratings for the NBA have been down by 5-7% as of February 2025, attendance records tell a different story. The NBA set all-time records for regular-season total attendance, average attendance, and sellouts for the 2023-24 season, with a total attendance of 22,538,518. This broke the previous year's record of 22,234,502. The average attendance for the 2023-24 season was 18,324, with 873 sellouts and 71% of games sold out.
The NBA's strong attendance continued into the 2024-25 season, with an average of 18,088 fans per game across 775 home dates. While this was slightly down from the previous year, it still indicated strong support from fans, with teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers drawing 19,432 fans per game.
The 2025 NBA Playoffs also saw strong attendance, with the Boston Celtics having an average home attendance of 19,156 and the Cleveland Cavaliers averaging 19,432. The NBA averaged 18,147 in attendance for the 2024-25 season, the second-best in its history, with total regular-season attendance exceeding 22.3 million fans.
Overall, the NBA has consistently demonstrated strong attendance figures, with fans continuing to pack arenas despite a dip in TV ratings. The league has set multiple attendance records and continues to draw large crowds for its games and playoffs.
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College basketball attendance
For example, Penn men's basketball games have seen a decrease in attendance since the early 2000s. According to the NCAA's official data, the average attendance at a Penn home game from the late 1970s to the end of the 1990s was frequently around 5,000 people, with some years even exceeding that number. However, by 2005, the average attendance had dropped to 4,620, and it continued to decline throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
Other schools have also experienced similar declines in attendance. In the top seven men's college basketball conferences, the combined average attendance dropped from 75,818 in 2007-08 to 71,014 in 2012-13, and further to 66,963 in the 2022-23 season. Additionally, a study by a University of North Carolina professor showed that 48 schools had a 37% "no-show" rate during their non-conference games last season, indicating that fans are purchasing tickets but not attending the games.
Various factors can influence college basketball attendance, such as arena size, recruiting, and conference membership. For instance, Syracuse, which holds the record for the highest attendance at a college basketball game, saw a decline of 1,000 fans from the 2007-08 season, but this was less severe compared to other programs. On the other hand, schools like Baylor have opted for smaller arenas to create a more intimate environment and improve their attendance numbers.
College basketball success is heavily driven by fan support, particularly in the form of home-court advantage. Higher attendance numbers can impact winning games and generating revenue for the programs. While coaching changes may not have a significant correlation with attendance numbers, the success of the team and its performance on the court can influence fan interest and attendance.
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TV ratings
While NBA commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged that television ratings for the NBA are down, he has also pointed out that this does not equate to a lack of interest in the sport. Silver attributes the decline in ratings to a broader trend of decreasing cable television viewership, with more people turning to streaming platforms to consume content. This shift in media consumption habits is also reflected in the increasing popularity of the NBA's social media content, which continues to grow exponentially.
The NBA is not alone in experiencing a decline in television ratings. Viewership is also down for men's college basketball, women's college basketball, and the NHL. Despite the overall decrease in traditional television viewership, women's college basketball has maintained strong TV ratings and attendance in the 2024-2025 season. Networks like ESPN and Fox have contributed to this success by increasing the number of games shown on TV and airing them in primetime slots.
There are several factors that have been cited as contributing to the decline in NBA TV ratings. One reason is the increase in the number of 3-pointers being taken per game, which some fans have criticised as making the games less entertaining. Additionally, the NBA's complex web of TV contracts and streaming services has made it difficult and frustrating for fans to access and watch games. The high cost of league passes and subscriptions has also been mentioned as a barrier to viewership.
Some fans have also expressed concerns about the quality of the product on the court, with some suggesting that the league's focus on analytics has led to a decline in the entertainment value of the games. The ease of scoring in the NBA compared to other sports has been mentioned as a potential factor in decreasing viewership, as fans may find the lack of struggle and low-scoring games less engaging.
Despite the decline in TV ratings, the NBA remains committed to improving the viewer experience and growing the league. Silver has emphasised the importance of ensuring that the games are worth watching, regardless of the platform. The league is also exploring opportunities for expansion, such as the potential sponsorship of a new circuit in Europe, which could help take basketball to the next level in that market.
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Stadium capacity
In the 2023-24 season, the NBA set records for total attendance, average attendance, and sellouts for the second consecutive season. NBA arenas were filled to an impressive 98% capacity during the regular season, with a total attendance of 22.5 million fans. This exceptional utilization rate demonstrates the immense popularity of the league and the demand for tickets.
However, it's worth noting that not all teams or venues experience equal attendance levels. For example, the Clippers witnessed a significant attendance drop of 12.6% when they moved from the 20,000-seat Crypto.com Arena to the 18,000-seat Intuit Dome. This highlights how stadium capacity and attendance can be intertwined, as a change in venue size can directly impact the number of fans able to attend games.
When comparing attendance across different leagues or teams, it's crucial to consider stadium capacity. A high attendance figure may be less impressive if the stadium has a much larger capacity compared to others. For instance, in college basketball, venues like PNC Arena (NC State) can hold approximately 19,500 people for basketball games, while other venues have smaller capacities. As a result, comparing attendance percentages or considering capacity can provide a more nuanced understanding of attendance patterns.
Some commentators have noted that simply looking at stadium capacity can be misleading, as a small stadium with high attendance may be more impressive than a large stadium with low attendance. They argue that the percentage of capacity utilized is a more meaningful metric, indicating consistent sellouts and high demand for tickets. This perspective underscores the complexity of analyzing attendance data and the importance of considering multiple factors, including both stadium capacity and attendance figures, to gain a comprehensive understanding.
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Team performance
The quality of the opposition team can also impact attendance. Fans are often more likely to attend games against rival teams or those offering a strong competitive challenge. A compelling matchup can increase attendance, whereas a less interesting or one-sided matchup may result in lower turnout.
The performance of individual players within a team can also be a factor. Star players can attract larger crowds, as fans are keen to watch their skills and achievements. For example, during Michael Jordan's two seasons with the Wizards, they were the most-watched away team in the league. Similarly, the Cavaliers were consistently in the top 5 for away attendance when LeBron was part of the team, but their attendance dropped significantly after he left.
In summary, team performance plays a crucial role in basketball attendance. Winning streaks, competitive matchups, and star players can boost attendance, while losing streaks and lackluster performances may lead to decreased turnout. The interplay between team performance and promotional strategies also influences fan engagement and attendance trends.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the NBA set all-time records for attendance and sellouts in the 2023-24 season. The average attendance was over 18,000 per game, with a total attendance of 22,538,518.
Success in college basketball is driven by fan support, which can manifest as home-court advantage. The impact of fan support on game outcomes and revenue generation is significant. Calculating attendance as a percentage of total seats filled is more intuitive due to variations in arena sizes. Other factors include arena transitions, team performance, and conference membership changes.
NBA attendance figures refer to the average number of fans per game, with the 2023-24 season attracting over 18,000 fans per game. In contrast, college basketball attendance is often discussed in terms of percentages of seats filled due to varying arena capacities. For instance, the Big Ten conference has consistently led D-I conferences in seat occupancy, with an average of 76.8% for power conferences and 45.6% for non-power conferences.
