Wooden Ratings Aren’t Classic, so NBC Won’t Renew Its Contract

NBC will not renew its contract with the Wooden Classic, Kent Atherton, chairman of the event, said Wednesday.

The network has televised both games of the basketball doubleheader the last three years, but may only be interested in showing one game next season. The games, which are played at the Pond of Anaheim, are tentatively scheduled for Dec. 6.

This year, the Wooden games had poor ratings--the first game, between Utah and Arizona, drew a 1.3 rating and a 4 share, and the second game, between Louisville and LSU, got a 1.7 rating and a 4 share.

It marked the first time UCLA has not been involved in the event. The Bruins played Kansas in televised game on the same day and drew a 2.5 rating and a 6 share.

UCLA officials said they have not committed to playing in the 1997 event.

Atherton said the event is free to negotiate with other networks, but NBC has the right to match any offer.