NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reflects on the NBA In-Season Tournament and shares updates on the ownership situations with the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers. He also discusses the next NBA media rights deal and the important things he learned from late Commissioner David Stern.
The NBA in-season tournament has been a success, with high levels of excitement from players, coaches, and fans, and the league is exploring technological advancements to enhance fan engagement.
The NBA is focused on reaching fans through digital technology and streaming for the next media rights deal, recognizing the need to make games accessible across multiple platforms.
International growth is a top priority for the NBA, aiming to engage with fans globally and develop elite players, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, leadership, and physical well-being.
Deep dives
Success of the NBA in-season tournament
The NBA in-season tournament has exceeded expectations, with high levels of excitement from players, coaches, and fans. TV ratings have been strong, and social media engagement has been significant. While some critics have commented on the colorful courts, overall, the tournament has been a success. The upcoming semi-finals on December 7th will feature a crossover between TNT and ESPN, adding to the grand event feel. The NBA is looking to continue innovating and exploring technological advancements, like personalized and customized broadcasts, to enhance fan engagement.
NBA Media Rights and Reach
When it comes to the next NBA media rights deal, the league is focused on reach, recognizing that traditional broadcast TV may not reach all fans. Therefore, the NBA is exploring ways to leverage digital technology and streaming to make games accessible to fans across multiple platforms. The goal is to ensure that NBA content is easily discoverable and available to fans on various devices, while also embracing new technological innovations and personalized experiences. The NBA values its current media partners, who are also prioritizing next-generation technology.
International Growth and Player Development
International growth is a top priority for the NBA, as the league aims to engage with fans globally and develop elite players from around the world. The NBA wants to ensure that young people, both boys and girls, continue to actively participate in team sports like basketball, fostering values like teamwork, leadership, and physical well-being. The league acknowledges the need to work closely with international sports organizations and federations to develop a strong pipeline of players, similar to the success seen in countries like Australia and Serbia.
Ownership Situations in Dallas and Portland
Mark Cuban has made the decision to sell a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks while expressing his desire to remain involved with the team. The NBA commissioner appreciates Cuban's drive and activism in pushing the league forward. The Portland Trail Blazers' ownership situation remains under the control of Paul Allen's estate, led by Jody Allen as trustee. The league is optimistic about the team's future and rebuilding efforts, but there is no definitive timeline for a potential ownership change.
David Stern's Legacy and Influence
David Stern's impact on the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver cannot be overstated. Stern emphasized the importance of execution and attention to detail, while maintaining a visionary approach to the league's growth. Silver feels that he is building on Stern's legacy, acknowledging that everything the NBA does now stands on Stern's shoulders. The NBA is considering various ways to honor Stern's contributions, including potential tributes related to the in-season tournament.
PODCAST: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (@AdamSilverNBA) joins Sports Business Radio to reflect on the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, share what he’s looking for with the next NBA media rights deal, update us on the ownership situations with the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers and tell us about the most important things he learned from late NBA Commissioner David Stern.
In our sports business headlines segment, we discuss the Final 4 for the College Football Playoff and Shohei Ohtani’s pending record-setting contract.
LISTEN to Sports Business Radio on Apple podcasts or Spotify podcasts. Give Sports Business Radio a 5-star rating and share our episodes if you enjoy our podcast. Click on the plus sign on our Apple Podcasts page and follow the Sports Business Radio podcast.
WATCH NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the Sports Business Radio YouTube channel at www.sportsbusinessradio.com.
Follow Sports Business Radio on Twitter @SBRadio and on Instagram, Threads and Tik Tok @SportsBusinessRadio.
This week’s edition of Sports Business Radio is presented by Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment - the Exclusive Financial Partner of Sports Business Radio.
Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment is a division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management dedicated to serving the unique and sophisticated needs of elite and professional athletes, entertainers, executives, creators, and other top talent and professionals in the sports and entertainment industry. The division consists of over 200 Financial Advisors with the Global Sports & Entertainment Director/Associate Director designation, several of whom are former professional and collegiate athletes who once embarked on a similar journey to that of today’s talent, leaders, executives and creators. Visit morganstanley.com/gse to learn more.
Money in the Making™ is the new digital financial education program aims to help young athletes, entertainers and emerging talent in the sports and entertainment industry build and manage wealth. Learn more about the financial literacy program by visiting etrade.com/gsemoneyinthemaking
