The NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has taken some major steps to evolve the NBA league and take it to new heights. Earlier it was reported that the league was supposedly looking for a possible expansion, with places like Las Vegas and Seattle at the center of negotiations. This has not only got the fans excited but also the noteworthy players and previous luminaries such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson.
Now, however, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is clearing the air about some speculations that have been going around regarding the expansion.
Adam Silver reveals the truth about the expansion
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For a long time now there have been talks of expansion, with Las Vegas and Seattle surfacing as prospective possibilities. Both of these cities have a history with the NBA. Seattle hosted the Sonics for 41 years and Las Vegas is hosting events such as the Summer League and In-Season Tournament. However, in the Sirus XM interview, Silver revealed some additional news directed at the people who wish to own the franchises.
“There’s no process in place. There’s been no secret discussions. No commitments to anyone".
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver talks about the possibilities of expanding teams after a new TV deal in a couple years@SiriusXMSports
Full Interview: https://t.co/YwKpqPO3Bu pic.twitter.com/xYI4XBtdVj
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) December 10, 2023
He said, “I’ll say there are no inside candidates. Lots of players, former players, and well-known, wealthy people out there who have expressed interest in having a Las Vegas franchise. What I’ve said to everyone publicly and privately is that there’s no process in place, no secret discussions, no commitments to anyone.”
However, he further went on to express his happiness that people are interested in this idea. He even said he likes the market in Las Vegas because the In-Season tournament held there was a major success and the WNBA team of Vegas is also going strong. So the NBA has a “long track record in Las Vegas.”
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What needs to be done for the expansion?
While the concept of expanding the NBA is appealing, Silver emphasized two critical requirements that must be met before seriously thinking about expansion. The first achievement was the successful negotiation of a fresh collective bargaining agreement. The second task was to secure additional media partnerships, such as the national pact with ABC, ESPN, and TNT. These procedures are critical in assuring the league’s liquidity and development before even thinking about any expansion ambitions.
Read More: Adam Silver Issues Apologies to MVP Lebron James for Vegas Snub Despite NBA Cup Glory
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While the fans are eager to witness an expansion, the NBA commissioner is taking his own time and developing a proper strategy before jumping into anything. And looking at the track record of Silver’s strategies, this one will also be very beneficial for the growth and success of the NBA.
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