Blockbuster NBA Record Could Bolster Adam Silver’s $75 Billion Dream, Delaying LeBron James & Others’ Ownership Goal

The 2023-24 regular came to a dramatic closure a day ago. And this season has already generated record numbers in terms of footfalls and sell-outs. A lot of factors played a part in generating humongous numbers like the Victor Wembanyama effect, the competitive Western Conference, and many more. However, the conversation is currently directed towards the future possibilities in the NBA world. Will it pave the way for Adam Silver’s dynamic $75 billion dream, ignoring LeBron James and Stephen Curry‘s long wait?

Front Office Sports revealed the numbers that the NBA generated through this season. This season created the records for the number of sell-outs and attendance in the league’s history. Notably, the league achieved this feat despite the Grizzlies playing the majority of their home games in an almost empty arena.

The league signed its latest Collective Bargaining Agreement last year. And it has set up a clear course until the 2029-30 season. Until then, the league’s top-level management can make the necessary big decisions for the development of the game. While the conversations about the expansion of the league always have been around, it recently came to a halt after Adam Silver’s statement. He promised by saying, ” (League expansion is) Definitely on our list,” but he also stressed it won’t be considered until sorting the league’s long pending media rights.

The league is taking a massive leap with its upcoming media rights in 2025. It is expected to move away from the traditional pay-per-view to streaming sites in a dynamic deal worth $75 billion involving ESPN, TNT, Amazon, and Apple. Even though the conversations surrounding this massive shift took center stage several times, the attendance and sell-out records could solidify Adam Silver’s dream.

On the other hand, it would delay LeBron James’ long-standing dream to own an NBA team. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar even expressed Las Vegas as his preferred city. As of now, King James has to stand in the queue along with Stephen Curry, Shaquille O’Neal, and others to own an NBA team.

Will LeBron James, Steph, and others have to wait longer?

The biggest superstars of the league, Steph and Bron have expressed their ambition to own an NBA team multiple times. Firstly, LeBron James considered it to be his “Ultimate” goal to get his franchise to Las Vegas. Apart from him, Shaquille O’Neal also wanted to own a team for the Sin City. Importantly, James also stressed that he should own a team or at least hold a part-ownership after his retirement.

Maybe the big man can team up with James to fulfill their desire. Shaq even went forward to buy the NFL team Atlanta Falcons for $4 billion, but later backed off. And he expressed his wish to own a team in the NBA. On the other hand, Steph said, “I just want to be a part of an ownership group… be in a position where you’re connecting with the community and the fan base,” when asked about his wish to own a team.

There isn’t any official confirmation on the number of teams that would be included in the league. However several reports suggested that there could be two teams. Even Adam Silver gave away the names of two cities that might get the privilege, namely Seattle and Las Vegas.

Which city do you think deserves an NBA franchise? Let us know in the comments.