Spike Eskin: NBA, Nike, UBS, Diana Russini

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit Spike Eskin got into it with Sopan Deb of the New York Times and became a character in my article on UBS blaming the NBA for Nike woes . We podcasted about this subject, Diana Russini resigning from the Athletic, and the playoff outcome that would best help the NBA. Topics! Include! * NBA popularity decline : Discussing why Finals viewership is the real NBA popularity indicator, and UBS report linking it to Nike’s struggles. * Sopan Deb’s tweet skepticism : Critique of the NYT writer’s demand for “concrete evidence” of crisis despite revenue claims, arguing data like ratings won’t sway entrenched views. * Load management and 65-game rule defense * Star power deficit : Casual fans name only aging stars (LeBron, Steph); current top players lack youth appeal or relatability, hurting Nike sales and broad interest. * Media defensiveness/politics : NBA coverage mirrors politics—denial of decline tied to anti-conservative pushback; OutKick overstates “woke” label post-2020. * Playoff hopes : Spurs-Thunder rivalry, Luka redemption arc, or Wemby breakout could help, but his height/French persona limits mass appeal vs. relatable stars. * Diana Russini scandal : Defending her reporting skill (e.g., accurate AJ Brown rumors matched by Schefter/Rapoport) amid Vrabel photos; industry favors relationships, not just ethics. * Donate to Spike’s great cause: The 2026 Walk for Paws

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Spike Eskin: NBA, Nike, UBS, Diana Russini is an episode from House of Strauss by Ethan Strauss.

This episode is 5:50 long.

This episode was published on Apr 15, 2026.

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