Teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) play 82 regular season games because it allows each team to play against all of the other teams in the league at least twice – once at home and once away. This provides a fair and balanced schedule, which helps determine playoff standings and ultimately the NBA champion.
What is the purpose of an 82 game season in American sports?
The purpose of an 82 game season in American sports, such as the NBA or NHL, is to provide a large enough sample size for teams to compete against each other and determine which are the most skilled and deserving of making the playoffs. It also allows fans to have more opportunities to watch their favorite teams play throughout the year.
How did the number of games in a season become standardized at 82?
The number of games in a season became standardized as 82 for the National Basketball Association (NBA), due to multiple factors. In the early days of the NBA, the league played fewer than 82 games per season. However, with growing interest and revenue opportunities in professional basketball, teams wanted to play more games and increase their chances of making money through ticket sales and television contracts.
In the 1960s, CBS signed a contract to televise NBA games and required a minimum number of appearances from each team. This incentivized teams to play more games so they could meet the TV requirements and make more money from broadcast rights.
By the 1970s, most NBA teams were playing around 82 games per season, which became the standard for the league. The number has remained consistent over time due to its practicality: it allows each team to play every other team at least twice (once at home and once away) while also leaving room for playoff rounds.
Is playing that many games physically demanding for athletes?
Although esports players don’t engage in physical activity to the same extent as traditional athletes, they can still experience physical strain from playing games for extended periods of time. Players may spend hours sitting in chairs and using repetitive movements that can lead to muscle strains and other injuries. In addition, the mental focus required for competitive gaming can be exhausting, causing stress and fatigue. So while it may not be physically demanding in the conventional sense, esports does come with its own set of physical challenges.
How do teams manage player fatigue during such a long season?
In professional sports leagues, teams usually manage player fatigue by rotating their players on a regular basis during games and giving them ample rest between games. Coaches monitor the amount of playing time each player gets to ensure they don’t become overtired or more susceptible to injury. Additionally, teams have training staff who work with players to help prevent injuries and make sure they are in top physical condition throughout the season. Lastly, teams often schedule breaks within the season such as an All-Star break or bye week to give players a chance to rest and recover before resuming play.