With Silver not yet fully committing to expanding and keeping the timeline for even beginning the process undefined, both league sources and people who are working on forming bidding groups are targeting the 2027-28 season. Though starting in 2026-27 isn’t impossible, it has become more unrealistic. That may seem like a long time, especially for fans in cities waiting for a team. But the process will have several phases: deciding whether to expand picking cities, selecting ownership groups in what could be an expansive bidding process and allowing for the new team or teams to build up infrastructure.
Adam Silver Rumors
NBA could look at potential investment from Gulf states?
The NBA, according to a league source, is considering a number of possibilities. One would include a league that includes current European basketball teams, and could include possible investment from the Gulf states. The NBA has been working with a financial firm, The Raine Group, to take stock of its opportunities.
Silver said Tuesday that one thing the league must figure out is how to come into that region in a way that is not hostile to the existing infrastructure. It has been working with FIBA to learn more about that area and would involve it in the possible new league. “Where we are in terms of the level of interest in basketball is not commensurate with the level of commercial activities,” Silver said. He added: “The way all of us see it, it’s not just about a basketball opportunity. We’ve been in this position in our league before where if you can’t demonstrate to the market that you can’t run a successful business it’s not sustainable.”
Adam Silver: NBA not ready yet to discuss expansion
Mike Vorkunov: Adam Silver not a lot of talk at today’s NBA board of governors meeting about expansion because the league isn’t ready to do it yet. Plan to do it later in the season, he said. Silver cautions: “It get a bit complicated in selling equity in the league.”
Mike Vorkunov: Adam Silver said he’s got no update on the Timberwolves sale/arbitration process. He said the NBA is staying out of until it’s done going through arbitration and that it “exists independent of the league.”
Mike Vorkunov: Adam Silver is excited for the Clippers’ new Intuit Dome, which he hears has the most bathrooms “in history.” “That will be helpful as I get older,” he said.
Mike Vorkunov: Adam Silver said NBA teams who broadcast on Bally Sports RSNs agreed to “taking significantly lower fees this season” to make its deal with Diamond Sports work. Last month, Diamond promised it would operate through the 2024-25 NBA season regardless of what happens in bankruptcy.
Tim Bontemps: Silver reiterated his comments during the Olympic tournament about the possibility of becoming involved in European basketball and FIBA presented to the BOG about efforts to continue growing the sport around the world.
James Dolan expresses concern over NBA's operating budget increase
The NBA’s proposed operating budget has increased by nearly 8% year-over-year, and the league’s Board of Governors (BoG) were not adequately briefed on the candidates to replace Larry Tanenbaum as BoG chair ahead of Tuesday’s election, the Daily News has learned. These concerns were highlighted in a letter Knicks owner James Dolan sent to the NBA’s Board of Governors on Monday, according to a source familiar with the contents.
This is the second time this offseason that Dolan has criticized the NBA’s escalating expenses. He pointed out that several of the league’s initiatives — including the In-Season Tournament, the WNBA, the G-League, and Basketball Africa League — remain unprofitable. According to a league source, Dolan’s letter specifically referenced the In-Season Tournament, noting that its costs far exceed its revenue, now entering its second year. These investments, while unprofitable, are part of the NBA’s broader strategy to grow the league’s influence and partnerships in the long term.
