NBA Reports Revenue of $8 Billion, a 10% Fall

The NBA reports a loss of $8.3 billion for the 2019-20 season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, $800 million of which from lost ticket sales alone.

The report also states that the NBA lost $400 million in sponsorships and merchandise for the season.

The report states a loss of $200 million of “net negative impact” due to the split between the NBA and China over tweets by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.

The continued playoffs was said to be a success, as the NBA was able to complete their season and crown the Lakers this year’s champions while containing all sports and broadcasting activities within a “bubble” in Orlando. The league was able to recover $1.5 billion in revenue  by restarting the season even though expenses for the bubble cost $190 million.

The NBA forecasted a potential loss of 40% for next season, around $4 billion, would occur if the season took place without spectators and gate receipts.

The report states the NBA is targeting a December 22 start to a full 72-game season for the 2020-21 campaign with a play-in tournament for the playoffs and a conclusion in time to have NBA players available in the Tokyo Olympic basketball competition.