The Golden State Warriors are slowly fading into NBA obscurity, categorized by an absence from the playoffs last season and now a significant reduction in nationally televised games after the full schedule was released on Thursday.
The Warriors were tied alongside the Los Angeles Lakers with 34 nationally televised games last season, but they're weakening from the national stage with 28 this upcoming year despite Stephen Curry remaining one of the biggest draw cards in the league.
Warriors fading from national stage before Stephen Curry even retires
Having 28 nationally televised games is still testimony to Curry's greatness and his ability to draw millions of viewers -- there's not really any other reasons for Golden State to have that many after missing the playoffs.
However, it's still a major fall from the equal-most nationally televised games to now only the equal-sixth most. Despite the departure of superstar forward LeBron James in free agency, Luka Doncic and the Lakers remain at the top with 34 games, but are now joined by the reigning champion New York Knicks, fellow NBA Finalist San Antonio Spurs, and James' new team in the Philadelphia 76ers.
Speaking of James, there's absolutely no doubt the Warriors would have topped the nationally televised schedule had the 41-year-old joined Curry in the Bay Area for what would have been arguably the most iconic duo of all-time.
The Oklahoma City Thunder sit fifth with 30 nationally televised games, while Golden State and the Denver Nuggets (tied with 28) sit just above the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves (both 27).
The Warriors' absence from the big stage was also proven by their exit from the league's three-game opening night slate on October 20, though Curry's stature has allowed them to maintain a marquee spot on Christmas Day against the Nuggets.
Warriors could fall off the radar after Stephen Curry retires
While Golden State may still maintain a regular presence on the national stage, that could dramatically fall once Curry retires and the franchise no longer possesses anywhere near the same level of star-power.
Just look at the pacific rival Phoenix Suns as a recent example. Two years ago they had 30 nationally telivised games during the 2024-25 season, but that's fallen to only nine for this upcoming year despite actually making the playoffs last season.
The Warriors could be headed for a similar fate once Curry eventually leaves the hardwood, or even sooner if the two-time MVP was to become fed up with the franchise's lack of direction after a very underwhelming offseason.
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