NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed one of the league’s most anticipated topics: the potential for future expansion. Speaking with reporters, Silver confirmed that expansion will be formally discussed at the upcoming board of governors meeting in Las Vegas this July.
“There’s been no lack of interest,” Silver tells ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “So if we were to say yes, we’re now going to move into a more formal exploratory phase.” He notes that the next step could involve external advisors who would assess viable markets, media opportunities, and economic potential. But Silver also cautions that expansion is not a foregone conclusion. “It isn’t automatic,” he repeats, stressing the importance of consensus among team owners.
Silver describes expansion as “selling equity in the league,” and says, “If you believe in the league, you don’t necessarily want to add partners.” At the same time, he acknowledges that there are “underserved markets in the United States and elsewhere” that deserve NBA teams.
Seattle and Las Vegas remain the most speculated cities in contention. Seattle previously hosted the Supersonics until their 2008 relocation to Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, Las Vegas has emerged as a sports capital, already home to NFL, NHL, and WNBA franchises, and potentially MLB’s Oakland Athletics.
Silver also brought up the NBA’s international ambitions, noting potential in Europe through partnerships like NBA Africa and EuroLeague.
“We have been discussing potentially creating a league in Europe, and I view that as a form of expansion as well,” he explained.
In addition to expansion, Silver addresses recent calls to shorten the 82-game season, rejecting the idea. “We’re a business. I don’t really see the benefit… We have absolutely no data to suggest [that fewer games reduce injuries].”
On the All-Star Game, Silver hints at a possible Team USA vs. World format but says a “Straight-up USA versus World” isn’t likely, favoring a format similar to the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
While there’s no set timetable, Silver’s comments suggest the NBA may soon be entering a new era, if the room agrees.
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