The Powers That Be: Daily Inside the NBA’s All-Star Glow-up
Feb 13, 2026
John Ourand, sports media reporter and author who covers league-TV rights and industry trends. He previews All-Star Weekend and rumors of expansion to Seattle or Vegas. He assesses the NBA’s strong business and broadcast landscape. He explains leagues racing to renegotiate TV deals ahead of big NFL rights upheaval.
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Courtside With Wemby’s Early Dominance
- Peter Hamby and John Ourand watched Victor Wembanyama dominate at the Lakers game from courtside seats.
- Wemby scored a huge first-quarter total and was subbed out early as the Lakers couldn’t match him.
NBA Business Is Strong Despite Flaws
- The NBA is in strong business shape with rising sponsorships and improved broadcasts on NBC and Amazon boosting ESPN.
- Yet load management and tanking pose viewer-value risks that haven't yet shown up in core metrics, complicating league responses.
Broadcast Competition Lifted ESPN
- Credible alternative telecasts (NBC and Amazon) have pressured ESPN to up its game and energized NBA broadcasts.
- Improved broadcast quality directly correlates with higher sponsorship and audience engagement.