The Cleveland Cavaliers, now a well-established NBA team with a strong fan base, had a rocky start when they joined the league in the 1970-71 season. The franchise faced numerous challenges, both on and off the court, including a dismal 15-67 record in their inaugural season. However, one of the lesser-known struggles was their battle with low attendance figures, which led to some surprising tactics to mask the sparse crowds.
During their first season, the Cavaliers averaged just 3,518 fans per game, the lowest in the NBA at the time. However, this figure was not entirely accurate. Reports indicate that the team padded these attendance numbers to make them appear more respectable. On some nights, fewer than 1,000 fans were actually present in the seats. This manipulation was a desperate attempt to cover up the lack of support and to present a more favorable image to the league and potential sponsors.
The Cavaliers’ attendance issues were symptomatic of the broader challenges faced by new franchises. The team struggled to attract fans due to their poor performance and lack of star players. Additionally, the economic conditions of the time and the competition from other entertainment options made it difficult to draw large crowds. The franchise’s founder, Nick Mileti, and his team had to get creative to keep the organization afloat during these tough times.
Fast forward to the present, and the Cavaliers’ story is one of remarkable transformation. From their humble beginnings with padded attendance figures, the team has grown to become one of the top 10 in the NBA in terms of average crowd size at home games. In the 2023-24 season, the Cavaliers averaged 19,345 fans per home game, a testament to the loyalty and passion of their fan base.
The journey from struggling to fill seats to becoming a fan favorite is a testament to the resilience and determination of the franchise. The Cavaliers’ success on the court, including their historic NBA championship win in 2016, has played a significant role in building a strong and dedicated fan base.
As the Cavaliers prepare for the 2024-25 season, they do so with a renewed sense of optimism. With star players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley leading the charge, the team hopes to build on their recent successes and continue to draw large crowds to their games. The appointment of Kenny Atkinson as the new head coach adds another layer of excitement for the fans.
