Here’s How NBA Could Boost Interest in In-Season Tournament

What if the NBA offered a reward to fans?

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA is in the midst of their inaugural in-season tournament. In addition to bragging rights over the NBA Cup, each player on the winning team is set to earn $500,000.

Many fans have expressed criticism towards the event’s incentives. The prize money is likely not a motivator for top-earning stars like Jaylen Brown, who’s contracted for upwards of $300 million over five years. Similarly, franchises don’t gain any benefits besides adding a secondary award to their resume.

To increase interest in the in-season tournament, the NBA could also offer a reward to fans of the winning team. For instance, if the Boston Celtics emerge victorious, the league could sponsor a free pizza party at TD Garden.

In this hypothetical scenario, the NBA would allocate a portion of the tournament’s prize money to this fan-centered celebration. It’s within reason to expect a budget of at least $1 million.

Overall, this idea would keep fans invested in the World Cup-style competition and make a positive impact on the community. 

Further Reading

Celtics Star Questionable for Wednesday's Game vs. 76ers

Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'

From Jrue Holiday's Milestone to Jayson Tatum's Post-Ups, Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Knicks

Celtics' Jrue Holiday Discusses Reaching Career Milestone: 'I Didn't Know it Was Coming'

Jaylen Brown Says the Celtics’ Rebounding Helped in Win vs. Knicks

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Chemistry with Jaylen Brown: 'I Love Playing with Him'

Joe Mazzulla Shares What's 'Far Exceeded My Expectations' of Kristaps Porzingis

From Porzingis Pick-and-Rolls to Jaylen Brown Posters, Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Steamrolled Raptors

Jaylen Brown on Celtics Learning from Losses and Building Chemistry: 'It's a Learning Curve'

From Self Doubt to Celtics History, Jayson Tatum Discusses Journey to 10,000 Points: 'I Didn't Think I Was Good Enough'

Kristaps Porzingis Gives Glimpse of How He'll Boost Celtics Late-Game Offense

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present