NBA draft to be two-night event: More drama, time for trades?

The anticipation surrounding the NBA Draft is about to get stretched out in order to attract bigger viewership. According to ESPN, the league is moving towards a two-night format for the upcoming 2024 event, aiming to amp up the drama.

According to the media reports, it would split the draft into first and second rounds held on consecutive nights – June 26 and 27. While it seems like a done deal, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) still needs to give its final nod.

ESPN Sources: The NBA is still working on final sign-off from the Players Association, but the 2024 NBA Draft is preparing to move to two days – June 26 and 27 – in Brooklyn. Wednesday for the first-round picks and Thursday for the second-round. pic.twitter.com/IJJYGEku2b

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 11, 2024

Why the double feature? 

Several factors are in play for this move. The NBA teams are hopeful that extra time will be helpful for them in order to make trades and plan out strategies. Meanwhile, Television partners, eager for more airtime and content, stand to benefit from the stretched-out drama.

What would change Round 2?

The first round will likely remain familiar, with its five-minute breaks between picks for team deliberation and trade. This tried-and-tested format balances analysis, player interviews, and speculation about potential deals.

The real transformation will take place in the second round in two-minute pick intervals and Taco Bell commercial distractions. Stretching the breaks to four or five minutes would inject much-needed calm and allow teams to finalize trades without rushing. 

While the later picks in the second round sometimes produce hidden gems, most players selected beyond the 45th spot rarely participate in NBA action.  

Will a two-night event diminish the significance?

Despite several concerns, the potential benefits outweigh the drawbacks. For the league, it's a win-win: a more engaging spectacle for fans with more time for team maneuvering and bigger value for broadcast partners as negotiations for a new TV deal heat up.