Spike Eskin: NBA, Nike, UBS, Diana Russini

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Spike Eskin got into it with Sopan Deb of the New York Times and became a character in my article on UBS blaming the NBA for Nike woes. We podcasted about this subject, Diana Russini resigning from the Athletic, and the playoff outcome that would best help the NBA. Topics! Include!

* NBA popularity decline: Discussing why Finals viewership is the real NBA popularity indicator, and UBS report linking it to Nike’s struggles.

* Sopan Deb’s tweet skepticism: Critique of the NYT writer’s demand for “concrete evidence” of crisis despite revenue claims, arguing data like ratings won’t sway entrenched views.

* Load management and 65-game rule defense

* Star power deficit: Casual fans name only aging stars (LeBron, Steph); current top players lack youth appeal or relatability, hurting Nike sales and broad interest.

* Media defensiveness/politics: NBA coverage mirrors politics—denial of decline tied to anti-conservative pushback; OutKick overstates “woke” label post-2020.

* Playoff hopes: Spurs-Thunder rivalry, Luka redemption arc, or Wemby breakout could help, but his height/French persona limits mass appeal vs. relatable stars.

* Diana Russini scandal: Defending her reporting skill (e.g., accurate AJ Brown rumors matched by Schefter/Rapoport) amid Vrabel photos; industry favors relationships, not just ethics.

* Donate to Spike’s great cause: The 2026 Walk for Paws