The 2025-26 NBA season has seen an uptick in its viewership, one that is shattering records even without its most popular superstar, LeBron James. On Sunday, Nov. 9, @LegionHoops on X/Twitter posted a statistic regarding the NBA’s viewership numbers in the opening week, which were the highest in over a decade.
The post included a photo of James, who has been one of the biggest superstars in the NBA for over two decades and is considered to be the most recognizable player in the sport. Many have attributed the high viewership to the globalization of the game achieved by the likes of James’ teammate, Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, and San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama.
The NBA is putting up crazy numbers in viewership this season.
Up 92% year-over-year for nationally televised games and the most viewers in over 15 years for opening week.
All without their biggest star… pic.twitter.com/fa7igZjNHm
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 9, 2025
Basketball fans online shared their analysis on why the NBA viewership has increased even without James.
“Probably because sports betting is at an all-time high as well 😬,” one fan claimed with an emoji.
“It’s because of 3 things. LeBron is not being talked about 24/7 while we’re watching games. Amazon & NBC broadcast of the games are back to old school quality. All players getting shine not just one. Blake, Dirk, Haslem, Jordan etc. being featured brings authenticity,” another fan explained.
“Yeah, because for once there’s not one single team that for sure is a championship lock so it’s anyone’s finals to win and majority of teams have at least one star player. So, I wonder what the viewership will be like once Bron returns,” another user pointed out.
“Teams look more talented across the board. There aren’t any top heavy teams. There’s parity. Love it,” a fan shared.
Other X users believe James is no longer a top star in the league.
“Feel like this is proof the league has moved on. Might be time for the King to step down,” one user said.
“Maybe people are tired of watching the same guy play for 300 seasons,” another user wrote.
“That’s why they hit the red button and put Luka on the Lakers last year 😂,” a user wrote with a laughing emoji.
In James’ absence, Doncic and the rest of coach JJ Reddick’s Lakers have held their own in a stacked Western Conference, boasting a 7-3 overall record so far, good for the No. 2 seed in the conference. They are coming off a 20-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks, 122-102, in away territory on Saturday, Nov. 8, and would hope to get back in the win column on Monday, Nov. 10, against the Charlotte Hornets.
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LeBron James’ 2025-26 Season Debut Is Expected To Be Around Mid-November
LeBron James will enter his 23rd season in the NBA during the 2025-26 campaign, which is the most any NBA player has played in league history.
With him confirmed to be available for contact practice sessions now, as he is recovering gradually from his sciatica injury, James is expected to make his debut around mid-November.
The Los Angeles Lakers are on a five-game road trip.
Also Read: Luka Doncic Makes Feelings Very Clear On Mirrorring LeBron James’ Career, Drops Sneak Peek On Retirement Timeline
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