On this episode of Our American Stories, before the NBA became a media powerhouse, it was fighting to stay relevant. Ratings were low, games were shown on tape delay, and advertisers kept their distance. When CBS considered cutting ties with the league, a young David Stern made a calculated move that would change the direction of professional basketball. Pete Croatto, author of From Hang Time to Prime Time, tells the story behind the NBA television deal that redefined the league’s future.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, before the NBA became a media powerhouse, it was fighting to stay relevant. Ratings were low, games were shown on tape delay, and advertisers kept their distance. When CBS considered cutting ties with the league, a young David Stern made a calculated move that would change the direction of professional basketball. Pete Croatto, author of<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHang-Time-Prime-Entertainment-Modern-Day%2Fdp%2F1982103957&amp;data=05%7C02%7CUraelBlackshear%40iheartmedia.com%7C42d7fb17d89b4c2772c308de488df68e%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C639027971739810351%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=lp6z1xREwciNP65oE7bu%2Bragil5LkGqIN%2FmbQUDhzmg%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">&nbsp;From Hang Time to Prime Time</a>, tells the story behind the NBA television deal that redefined the league&rsquo;s future.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

The TV Deal That Made the NBA an Entertainment Powerhouse

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/634a1dd6-abbc-4421-b421-b3c60162358c/transcript

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