A recent interaction between an NBA and soccer star has the sports world engaged in a heated argument. As all sports fans should know, basketball and soccer are two of the most popular sports. While each sport has its own pros and cons, the fact remains that both of them are highly competitive contact sports.
Since every fan would like to believe that their sport is the best, there has been an ongoing debate between NBA and soccer fans regarding which sport is superior. Things escalated after an interaction between stars of both worlds. With that being said, let us take a closer look and find out more.
French soccer star Paul Pogba’s interaction with Steph Curry sparked a debate
To those who do not know, Paul Pogba is a soccer star from France who plays for the Serie A club, Juventus, and the French national team. He was spotted having an interaction with Warriors star Steph Curry after a recent Team USA exhibition game. From the appearance of the conversation, it appeared as if Pogba was quite impressed with Steph Curry and happy to be in his presence.
Paul Pogba x Steph Curry ⚽️🏀👀 pic.twitter.com/MEZiiWQA87
— NBA (@NBA) July 17, 2024
As a result, some fans captured this interaction and tried to claim that it meant soccer stars were more in awe of NBA stars. Soccer fans did not waste any time to make a response. It was soon reported that the girlfriend of soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo has more followers on Instagram than the official NBA page, “Cristiano Ronaldo’s wife is literally bigger than the entire NBA.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s wife is literally bigger than the entire NBA 😭😭😭 https://t.co/20EiSLOQ8M pic.twitter.com/UcaZPzM5so
— Dom💫 (@Dom_UTD) July 22, 2024
This is certainly shocking and speaks to the impact that soccer stars have. While soccer fans undoubtedly appear to be having the upper hand at this point, one should wonder if there are any moves the NBA can make to increase its reach.
What can the NBA do to improve its popularity on social media platforms?
This is quite a difficult question to answer. After all, NBA basketball has the majority of its fanbase in the United States with a few international fans. On the other hand, soccer consists of just international fanbases and involves countries. The mere population of these countries explains why an international sport like soccer has more coverage than a national-based NBA basketball.
Nobody watches NBA outside America
— 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭 (@DestUTD) July 22, 2024
Football is simply the biggest sport in the world and nothing comes close 🤷♂️
— Dom💫 (@Dom_UTD) July 22, 2024
YOU CAN’T DECIDE WHO IS BIG BY COMPARING INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS.
— MOON JEFF 🪐 (@CRYPTOAD00) July 23, 2024
In order to improve its reach on social media, the league will have to step up its online presence. There have also been talks regarding an expansion and inclusion of new teams. All of this will help the NBA increase its fanbase. However, it is still not expected to cross soccer in the near future.