However, like all sports that have resumed, this season is not the typical NBA season. Therefore, there is some thought among fans and commentators that the season and its winner will have an asterisk next to it, indicating the champion is somehow not on par with past winners. So reports The Wall Street Journal.
Despite the league’s campaign to restart the season, “It’s a Whole New Game,” NBA Chief Marketing Officer Kate Jhaveri said she doesn’t want an asterisk next to the season. That’s a tall order from a marketing perspective.
“I don’t think this is an asterisk season,” she told The Wall Street Journal during a Q&A session. “This is a year like we’ve never seen before. Our teams and players are intent on finishing what they started. From that perspective, getting back onto the court and being able to crown a champion is a sign of resilience.”
Also during the interview, Jhaveri noted the pandemic has also presented an opportunity to cross-promote the WNBA and NBA. Due to the pandemic, the regular season for both leagues is happening at the same time. “NBA players showed their support for the start of the WNBA season by wearing orange hoodies with the WNBA logo,” she told the publication. “Players from both leagues came together for a conversation with Michelle Obama on voting and how players can use their platform to affect change.”