Knicks Owner Dolan Demands NBA Financial Transparency in New Resolution
James Dolan isn’t happy with the NBA’s books, and he’s making sure everyone knows it.
The Knicks owner has called for a vote on a resolution demanding clearer accounting of the league’s finances, according to a letter obtained by ESPN this week.
This isn’t the first time Dolan has pushed back against the league’s financial practices. For the past two years, he’s been one of the NBA’s most vocal critics when it comes to money matters.
Last September, he refused to vote on the 2024-25 budget or the election of a new chair, trying to make a point about how the league manages its finances.
The vote is expected to take place at this month’s board of governors meeting.
Dolan’s resolution aims for “increased financial transparency and operating efficiency” to help teams better prepare for their futures. If passed, the changes would begin in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
What exactly does Dolan want? He’s pushing for the NBA to “adopt a zero-based method of budgeting” for all its operations, including headcount and capital spending.
The Knicks’ frustration stems partly from seeing the NBA’s operating budget suddenly jump almost 8% from last year with little explanation.
“Despite the League’s swelling costs and headcount, the budget materials provided by the League during its annual September budget review are limited in scope,” the letter stated.
Dolan isn’t just concerned about the main NBA operations. His proposal would cover all the league’s affiliates too – including the Basketball Africa League, WNBA, and G League.
The letter specifically calls for detailed breakdowns of expenses by department, including headcount, capital expenditures, and “fully-loaded budgeted costs” for the NBA and all its subsidiaries.
Dolan also wants transparency around costs related to the NBA’s new media deals.
Looking ahead, the Knicks have requested to see the 2025-26 budget during the NBA’s annual Las Vegas summer meeting. This would give franchises time to review and ratify the proposal before the season starts.
For team owners investing millions into the league, Dolan’s push for financial clarity might resonate beyond just New York.
