Before the NBA Finals began, commissioner Adam Silver shared the latest on the league’s plans to explore adding additional franchises beyond the current 30 teams in a press conference.
Silver addressed the concern about diluting the talent pool but acknowledged interest exists from possible investors. “The NBA has not expanded since 2004, when we added a team in Charlotte,” he said. “And since then, the average team valuation has skyrocketed from hundreds of millions to multibillions.”
Silver named Seattle and Las Vegas as potential locations for expansion franchises but noted expansion is possible outside of the United States, including Canada, is also a consideration. Some have speculated Mexico City as a potential option as well.
“It’s not preordained that we will expand this time, but I know there’s an enormous amount of interest out there,” Silver said. “And to me, yes, there are wealthy individuals, institutions that would like to invest and buy NBA teams, but I think it’s on the league to look holistically because there is the dilution, of course.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Adam Silver, Expansion Updates
Silver’s comments come as the league is finalizing new media rights deals with ESPN, Amazon, and NBC. The NBA has seen significant growth in recent years, with the average team valuation increasing from $2.2 billion in 2020 to $3.2 billion in 2022, according to Forbes.
Silver detailed how adding two new franchises would add 35 players to the league, which could decline the talent pool.
“I feel great about where the talent is right now in the league, but those players have to come from somewhere,” Silver said.
Regardless, Silver remains optimistic about the league’s growth potential and ability to handle changes. He used the popularity of international superstars like Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo as faces of the league to highlight how the league can adapt and command interest from fans.
“I’m absolutely fine with that,” Silver said. “I think if that player becomes part of that community, lives in that community, gives of himself or herself in the WNBA to that community, I think they become part and parcel.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Adam Silver, Expansion Updates
Silver’s comments keeps the door open for expansion as fans continue to call for the return of a franchise in Seattle and remain excited for Las Vegas possibly gaining a team as other professional leagues have already established a presence there.
While expansion is not guaranteed to take place, the NBA’s exploration of new markets, and has taken place for years and will only continue. Other matters such as broadcasting deals may need to transpire before it gets entertained more seriously.
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