The NBA is giving fans the opportunity to view games in a much different way than ever before. According to an NBA official release:
“Beginning at the start of the season, fans will have the ability to purchase a single game on NBA League Pass from the end of the third quarter to the conclusion of the game for $1.99”
In other words, fans can purchase the fourth quarter of a game. Obviously, if the game goes into overtime, the fan will get to watch that as well.
Article Continues BelowThis is an interesting tactic from the NBA, but it appears to be a smart move. One of the fair criticisms of the NBA is that some games are not entertaining until the fourth quarter. I personally don't agree with that, but now those fans have the ability to put their money where their mouths are.
Additionally, if it looks like a game may come down to the wire, this offer could entice fans to pull out the credit card and tune in for the possibility of a wild finish. The NBA presents this as a way to transform the experience of the average basketball fan and it's engulfed by flowery language. But this is obviously just a smart way to make an extra buck.
Sure, it gives fans another option to watch the NBA, but it's not what fans have truly been clamoring for. Just lower the price of League Pass and let fans have it at a more reasonable price. Rather than spending a couple bucks on a fourth quarter, just give us the whole thing for slightly less. Is that too much to ask?