Alright, hoop heads, let’s dive into the latest buzz around the NBA’s future. Spoiler: it’s not all about adding new teams just yet.
Expansion Dreams on Hold
So, everyone’s been talking about the NBA expanding to more cities, right? Seattle, Vegasโthose names keep popping up. But guess what? Commissioner Adam Silver just threw a bit of cold water on that fire.
During a recent chat at a Manhattan hotel, Silver said, โThere 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 weโre not quite ready.โ Yeah, you heard that right. No big talks about new teams… yet.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday the leagueโs owners are not quite ready to commit to expansion, but that interest remains high in Seattle.
โ KOMO News (@komonews)
Silver did mention that the topic will come up this season. So, fingers crossed, maybe we’ll see some movement soon. “Weโre always paying attention to whatโs happening in other arenas throughout the United States when we do play games there,” he added. Translation: they’re keeping an eye on potential new homes for NBA teams.
TV Deals and Bargaining Drama
Why the delay, you ask? Well, Silver’s got his hands full with some pretty big stuff. The new TV deal and collective bargaining agreements are top priorities. In my opinion, he’s right to focus on these first. You can’t build a house without a solid foundation, right?
Silver said, โThe answer is yes. Weโre always paying attention to whatโs 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.โ Sounds like they’re doing their homework, but no one’s turning in any assignments just yet.
Teams Changing Hands
Meanwhile, some teams are playing musical chairs with their ownership. First up, the Timberwolves. Glen Taylor is passing the baton to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, but not without some legal drama. Then there’s the Celtics, who are also in the middle of selling to new owners.
Silver was pretty clear that the NBA isn’t meddling in these sales. โThatโs a process that exists independent of the league that was set out in the sales agreement,โ he said. So, for now, the league’s just waiting to see how things shake out.
Silver summed it up by saying, โSo itโs sort of pencils down at the league office; weโre not really operating in any way right now on that situation, other than just waiting for the outcome of that arbitration.โ Gotta love the honesty.
What’s Next?
So, what’s next for the NBA? Will we see new teams in Seattle and Vegas? Or will the league focus on tightening up its current setup? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, the conversation isn’t over.
What do you think? Are we ready for more teams, or should the NBA focus on other priorities first? Drop your thoughts below!
