Ceo Bob Chapek Says As He Touts Recent Basketball Ratings
The Walt Disney Company's CEO Bob Chapek expressed his satisfaction with the recent high ratings of the NBA games, which were held in the Disney World bubble. He highlighted that the league's viewership has been continually growing despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the sports industry worldwide. Speaking to CNBC, Chapek pointed out that the NBA has been a vital partner of the company for many years, and the recent season was a prime example of their partnership's strength.
The Success of the NBA Season in the Disney World Bubble
The NBA season resumed on July 30, 2020, post the COVID-19 hiatus, in the Disney World bubble. The bubble concept was created to ensure the safety of all players and personnel involved, as the world was still grappling with the pandemic. The NBA teams were accommodated in three different Disney hotels, and games were played in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The concept worked effectively, as no players or staff tested positive throughout the entire period.
Chapek revealed that the NBA's ratings of the games played in the bubble skyrocketed past the previous year's average. The games' average viewership was approximately 1.3 million, which is a 68% increase in audience size from last year's games. The substantial increase in viewership can be attributed to several factors, including the excitement of new game formats, the elimination of excessive travel, and the well-executed safety protocols.
The Importance of the NBA to the Walt Disney Company
Chapek further stated that the NBA has been a crucial partner of the Walt Disney Company for many years, and the current season's success is a testament to their partnership's strength. The partnership has been mutually beneficial. The NBA has global recognition and a vast audience, while Disney offers an extensive distribution network and marketing platform.
The partnership between the NBA and Disney has led to several collaborative projects, including the NBA Experience in Disney Springs, a basketball-themed attraction, and the Disney-themed NBA jerseys. The NBA has also utilized Disney's broadcasting channels and platforms for game coverage and promotion.
The Future of the NBA and Disney Partnership
The partnership between the NBA and Disney is expected to continue flourishing in the future. Chapek pointed out that the NBA's popularity is on the rise, and Disney will continue to support them in their endeavors. The NBA is currently working on plans for the 2021 season, which will likely take place outside the bubble concept. However, safety protocols will still be a top priority, and Disney is ready to offer their expertise in executing those protocols.
Furthermore, the increased viewership of the NBA games has resulted in increased revenue for Disney. The revenue comes from advertising, partnerships, and broadcasting rights. The success of the 2020 season has set a new benchmark for future partnership projects and collaborations.
Conclusion
The success of the NBA games in the Disney World bubble has been a significant achievement for both the NBA and the Walt Disney Company. The innovative concept proved successful in ensuring player safety and achieving high ratings. The partnership between the two companies has been strong for many years and is expected to continue growing in the future. The success of the 2020 season has set a new benchmark for future collaboration projects and revenue generation.
