Phoenix Suns Face Dramatic Cut in National TV Games for 2025-26 Season
Table of Contents
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Suns are slated to appear in just nine nationally televised games during the 2025-26 NBA season, a ample decrease from the 19 games they had scheduled for the 2024-25 season. This reduction signals a shift in the league’s broadcasting focus following significant roster changes for the Arizona franchise.
Roster Changes Drive Scheduling Adjustments
The diminished national exposure isn’t entirely unexpected, given the departures of key stars. The Suns underwent a major transformation this offseason, including changes to their head coaching and general manager positions. The team traded away Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and saw Bradley Beal depart, altering the team’s overall marketability and on-court potential.
CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish commented on the situation, stating, “How the mighty have fallen. Turns out not having Kevin Durant on the team would completely deplete Phoenix’s national stature, and this is proof. A tandem of Devin Booker and Jalen Green is going to be intriguing to watch, but clearly, the league didn’t think it was worthy enough of more national spotlight.”
Did You Know?
the NBA’s national television schedule is heavily influenced by perceived star power and competitive balance. Teams with established superstars and playoff contention typically receive more prominent placement.
Impact of New Leadership and Player Progress
despite the loss of Durant and Beal, the Suns acquired assets through trades, including players from the Rockets. The team is now focused on developing a core around Devin Booker and Jalen Green, with hopes that younger players like Williams can contribute significantly. However, analysts predict a period of rebuilding.
Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports ranked the Suns 11th in his recent Western Conference power rankings, noting, “Realistically speaking, with so many new faces and so many of them being on the younger side, it’s going to take a season or two for Phoenix to right the ship, and that’s assuming they have the right pieces to begin with.” He added that a successful season would require exceptional coaching from Ott and a return to All-NBA form from Booker.
Projected Team performance and Playoff Outlook
the Suns are projected to face challenges in the upcoming season, potentially competing for a play-in spot rather than a guaranteed playoff berth. While the team’s future remains uncertain, the presence of Devin Booker provides a foundation for optimism.
Pro Tip:
Monitoring player development and coaching strategies will be crucial for assessing the Suns’ long-term trajectory.
| Season | National TV Games | Key Players | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 15 | Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal | lost in Western Conference Semifinals |
| 2024-25 | 19 | Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal | Did not qualify for playoffs |
| 2025-26 | 9 | Devin booker, Jalen Green | Projected Play-in contention |
despite the challenges, the Suns retain a competitive spirit. As long as they can demonstrate improvement and build a cohesive team dynamic, they will have an chance to regain national attention.
What impact will the reduced national exposure have on the Suns’ ability to attract free agents? How will the team leverage local fan engagement to compensate for the decrease in national visibility?
NBA Scheduling Trends and market dynamics
the NBA’s scheduling decisions are increasingly driven by market dynamics and the desire to showcase compelling storylines. Teams with established fan bases, star players, and playoff potential are prioritized for national broadcasts. The league also considers factors such as regional rivalries and potential for high viewership. According to a 2023 report by nielsen, national NBA broadcasts consistently rank among the most-watched sports programming in the United States [Nielsen Report]. This underscores the importance of maximizing viewership and revenue through strategic scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did the Phoenix suns have so few national TV games scheduled? The Suns’ reduced national TV schedule is primarily due to the departure of key star players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
- What impact will this have on the team’s revenue? Fewer national broadcasts could lead to decreased revenue from television contracts and sponsorships.
- Is Devin Booker enough to attract national attention? While Devin Booker is a talented player,the league frequently enough prioritizes teams with multiple stars and strong playoff potential.
- What can the Suns do to regain national exposure? The Suns need to demonstrate on-court success, develop young players, and build a compelling team narrative.
- How does the NBA determine which games are nationally televised? The NBA considers factors such as star power, competitive balance, regional rivalries, and potential viewership.
We hope you found this article insightful! Please share it with fellow basketball fans, leave a comment below with your thoughts on the Suns’ outlook, or subscribe to our newsletter for more breaking sports news.
