Now that the new collective agreement is in force and the negotiations for the next TV rights contract are (almost) completed, the NBA will consider adding two additional franchises to increase the championship to 32 teams. This expansion of the NBA is not happening right away, and Adam Silver recalled that there were still some reluctances and questions. Where to create them to rely on a dynamic market? How to find new talents to fill the workforce?
Before Game 2 between the Celtics and the Mavericks, the league boss returned to this subject. “We need to understand what our long-term relationships with media are before considering expansion. We are in the process of concluding these agreements,” confirmed Adam Silver at the microphone of NBC Sports Boston. “These will be long-term contracts. I hope, because we're not done yet, that they will be successful in generating money for the league and the teams, and that we will then be able to consider expansion. »
Mexico in the list
There is no shortage of applications to create an NBA franchise, in the United States or abroad, and Adam Silver has cited three cities likely to be selected.
“There have been discussions about a possible return to Seattle”he confirms. “Las Vegas is undoubtedly very interested in having a team arrive. One day, it will be Mexico City’s turn. But there are many other American and Canadian cities that have contacted us to tell us that they would be interested. »
To cool things down, Adam Silver adds: “It is not certain that we will expand. I've said it before, you have to take into account the potential dilution of talent, but we play so good basketball around the world… I don't think there's any doubt that over time, this league can accommodate two additional teams. And there is interest in the market, so once we have our media deals in place, we will look into it. »
