When considering the future of the NBA, one topic that generates a lot of discussion is the possibility of expanding the league to include more teams across North America. However, commissioner Adam Silver recently announced that the league is not quite ready to welcome new franchises at this time.
During a meeting with the NBA’s board of governors, expansion was not a major focus, but Silver mentioned that the subject will be addressed at some point in the upcoming season.
“There was not a lot of discussion in this meeting about expansion, but only largely not for lack of interest, it was that we had said to them that we’re not quite ready,” Adam shared at a news conference in Manhattan.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday the league’s owners are not quite ready to commit to expansion, but that interest remains high in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/nfzMBL6KaJ
— KOMO News (@komonews) September 11, 2024
“It was something that we told our board we plan to address this season, and we’re not quite ready yet. But I think there’s certainly interest in the process, and I think that we’re not there yet in terms of having made any specific decisions about markets or even frankly to expand,” he continued.
The idea of expanding the league to new basketball markets, particularly Seattle and Las Vegas, has been a hot topic. However, Silver emphasized the need to prioritize the new television deal and collective bargaining agreements before moving forward with any expansion.
“The answer is yes,” said Silver. “We’re always paying attention to what’s happening in other arenas throughout the United States when we do play games there. We look very closely at the support we get in those markets.”
Silver also mentioned that the NBA is open to new proposals. “But incidentally, we look everywhere. I think we have a pretty good library now of arenas everywhere in the world, and in part because even if we’re not playing there on a regular basis, there’s things we can learn,” he explained.
The executive also addressed the fact that two league franchises are currently involved in sale processes, but the NBA has no business there
In addition to expansion, two teams are in the process of selling their ownership stakes. Minnesota is transitioning from longtime owner Glen Taylor to entrepreneurs Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, while the Celtics are also undergoing an ownership change.
“The short answer is no,” Silver stated. “That’s a process that exists independent of the league that was set out in the sales agreement, and because, depending on the outcome, only then would the league then continue a vetting process for ownership.
“So it’s sort of pencils down at the league office; we’re not really operating in any way right now on that situation, other than just waiting for the outcome of that arbitration.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Celtics’ situation, Silver noted that each ownership transaction is unique. “In terms of the composition of ownership and any potential step transaction, what we’ve said is present to us what you’re considering and we’ll look at it on a unique basis,” Silver concluded.
