It’s no secret anymore that the NBA is steadily encroaching on MLB’s territory, not just globally but right here at home. While MLB has long been considered America’s pastime, the NBA’s soaring popularity is beginning to shift the narrative. Amid this shift, now a surprising voice has entered the conversation, that too straight from the heart of the MLB clubhouse.

Mookie Betts, the Dodgers shortstop, recently appeared on a Bleacher Report podcast with the Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar, where he delivered a bold statement about one of the NBA’s rising stars, Tyrese Haliburton. It was the kind of statement that would stir up a debate across both leagues.

“Tyrese Haliburton is the most clutch player right now in sports,” Betts said.

Now, read that again, Betts considers Haliburton as the most clutch player not in terms of the NBA but in the entire sports, including MLB as well! Tat’s a huge statement to start with, but does it have any substance?

Well, Haliburton is rapidly carving out a legacy as one of the most clutch performers in today’s NBA. For instance, during the Indiana Pacers’ electrifying NBA Finals run, the Wisconsin native showcased nerves of steel. He converted 6 of 7 game-tying or go-ahead field goal attempts in the final 90 seconds of playoff games. That’s the most by any player in a single postseason since 1997.

But clutch isn’t just about last-second shots. There are other ways to tilt the game under pressure, but Haliburton is excelling on most parameters. His Clutch WPA this postseason stands at 2.54. Now this figure even surpasses his shots-only total, underscoring how his all-around impact elevates in crunch time. For context, the only recent postseason run that comes close is Dirk Nowitzki’s 2.15 Clutch WPA during his legendary 2011 title charge.

So, Betts is not quite wrong to crown Haliburton as the most clutch player going around at the moment, but is the latter’s NBA brilliance is a step ahead of MLB players? Can’t we have Babe Ruth in the contention for his home runs or Derek Jeter for his high-leverage antics? We wonder! But what Betts has said sums it up about the intensifying popularity of the NBA.

The NBA is surging in terms of popularity

There might be a debate about who is the most clutch player from the NBA and MLB, but there is no denying the NBA is surging in terms of popularity.

If you check the American sports financial landscape, you will get to know the NBA has surged ahead in terms of global valuation, broadcast deals, and player endorsements. For starters, the NBA’s newly signed 11-year, $76 billion domestic media rights agreement marks a defining moment for the league. That’s a 165% increase in annual value over its previous deal, reflecting the NBA’s rapid growth and increasing dominance in the modern sports marketplace.

Ultimately, this deal is more than just numbers. Yes, it’s a validation of the NBA’s modern identity. Guess what, while traditional leagues like MLB are struggling in terms of retaining relevance, the NBA is surging ahead, fueled by cultural relevance, international appeal, and a product that thrives on every screen.

But amid NBA’s surge, is MLB struggling? Well, MLB’s viewership is concentrated among a few regions and games. For instance, the first game of the Marlins-Rockies series saw only 5894 in attendance on the field. But the Friday night game between the Yankees and Red Sox witnessed 46783 fans in the stands. That’s not the case with the NBA.

Moreover, apart from the financial aspect, the NBA’s game structure itself plays a major role in outpacing MLB in the race for modern sports relevance. Basketball is built for momentum. With fast breaks and constant back-and-forth scoring, there’s little downtime, and the action rarely lets up. In contrast, baseball, despite its timeless charm, still struggles with a scoring system that often lacks urgency or excitement for the casual viewer.

However, these are two different sports with a different audience and a different value. Both will stay here, although there will be debate if Betts is right about Haliburton! What do you think?