New Orleans Pelicans Soar With High Ratings

The recent numbers show that New Orleans "delivered the highest ratings for national NBA games" across its major broadcasting partners, ABC, ESPN, and TNT. If was left to most of the talking heads, New Orleans' fate as a team and basketball city is doomed.

Which markets have delivered the highest ratings for national NBA games across ABC, ESPN and TNT this season?

1. New Orleans
2. San Francisco
3. Memphis
4. Raleigh-Durham
5. Sacramento
6. Los Angeles
7. Atlanta
8. Norfolk
9. Birmingham
10. Richmond https://t.co/01CXRGkmig
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 3, 2022

The narratives have been for the Pelicans moving to Seattle or trading Zion Williamson. Besides, "what star wants to be in New Orleans" has permeated the airwaves this season.

The fact is Zion has not been there all season because he is recovering from offseason foot surgery, but that has not deterred the fan base one bit from watching their team play. The numbers suggest the fan base is indeed excited and invested in the Pelicans.

Considering New Orleans is next to last in market size - based on the available number of homes for viewership and metro population - these stats become even more impressive.

The team currently has some hurdles involving its current TV partner. Why? Most Louisiana regional cable providers have fans frustrated they cannot see televised Pelicans games. Reports are that the team may be looking for a new TV partner to increase viewership and interest in the team across the Gulf Coast. Pelicans fans aren't just looking for ways to watch the game; they are also showing up.

The Pelicans rank No. 21 in the average attendance per game, with 15,490 fans packing in the Smoothie King Center in 2021. The team has one of the smallest NBA arenas, with a 16,867 seating capacity.

Suppose you calculate the percentage of fans attending games to the Pelicans average of 91.8% - above the Phoenix Suns with the NBA's best record - and below the New York Knicks, who play in the largest market in the NBA. Does that sound like a team and city not interested in basketball?

The fanbase is re-energized after the recent acquisition of guard CJ McCollum in a trade with Portland. He and Brandon Ingram have the Pelicans off to a three-game winning streak after the All-Star break while jockeying for potential playoff positioning.

Despite missing their most exciting player, Zion Williamson, the team's excitement is happening. Imagine what the hype will be like around the team when this happens. Despite what the talking heads want you to believe, New Orleans is very much a basketball city. Men may lie, women may lie, but the numbers don't.