The NBA once again set up shop in France for the third edition of the Paris Game, featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets. However, the event left many fans feeling torn between frustration and understanding of the unique challenges of such an event.
The first images of the Cleveland Cavaliers players on French soil stirred up mixed emotions for Loïc, a 22-year-old fan from Besançon. He felt proud to see his favorite team in France, but also frustrated that he couldn’t participate in the event. Many other fans found themselves in a similar situation, unable to attend the NBA Paris Game 2024 due to the high cost of tickets.
The prices for tickets to the game, which ranged from 355 to 665 euros, were considered exorbitant by many fans. This caused a lot of frustration, with some fans expressing their anger on social media. The high prices and the limited availability of affordable tickets led to disappointment for many passionate basketball fans.
In addition to the high ticket prices, some fans were also upset by the abundance of invitations given to influencers, some of whom had little interest in basketball. This led to the feeling that the event was more of a showbiz extravaganza than a celebration of the sport itself.
Despite the frustrations, some lucky fans, including those who manage community accounts for NBA teams, were eventually able to secure invitations to attend the game and other related events. This provided them with a unique opportunity to see the players up close and be part of the NBA’s presence in France.
Overall, it became clear that the NBA’s focus on the Paris Game was not solely about the match itself, but also about the platform it created for engaging with sponsors and expanding its business in France. The match was seen as a gateway to a week-long platform that showcased the NBA’s presence in Europe.
As the NBA continues to look for new opportunities to grow its business in France, it is likely that it will continue to engage with fan-led community accounts. Many fans believe that there is a possibility for more involvement from such accounts in the future, reflecting the NBA’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach and engage with its dedicated fan base.
