NBA's Social Media Boom: How Teams Like Brooklyn Nets Are Winning Fans Online

The NBA is thriving with a new $76 billion media deal, but local coverage is still a big problem. Many fans rely on local broadcasts, but Main Street Sports Group's payment issues are causing trouble. The Brooklyn Nets are leading the way in social media, especially on TikTok. They have more likes than the Lakers and Warriors combined. The Nets are working with ScorePlay, a startup that helps teams grow their online presence. ScorePlay is backed by big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Alex Morgan, and Kevin Durant. ScorePlay has raised $13 million and is now working with seven NBA teams. They aim to partner with a third of the league by the end of the season. This growth is thanks to the increasing demand for team-captured content on social media.The NBA's social media strategy is paying off. Brooklyn Nets VP Charlie Widdoes says they are capturing more content than ever. NBA commissioner Adam Silver also highlights the importance of social media for the league's growth. But while social media is booming, regional sports networks are struggling. FanDuel Sports Network missed payments to several NBA teams, affecting local broadcasts. The NBA is now preparing to take over production and distribution for these teams. This situation shows the NBA's reliance on both traditional and new media. While social media is growing, the league must also address the issues with regional sports networks.