Adam Silver Drops Bombshell on NBA Expansion and Teases Mysterious Europe League Ahead of Finals

The NBA world buzzed with anticipation as Commissioner Adam Silver took center stage this past Thursday, tackling a heap of hot topics just before the tip-off of Game 1 in the NBA Finals . Now, if you know Silver, you know the moment an expansion question sneaks in, it’s never just a quick nod—nope, it’s a full-on deep dive. This time, he didn’t shy away, hinting that the league is mulling over the big ‘E’ word—expansion—and setting it up for a closer look at the July owners’ meeting in Las Vegas. Between unsolicited investor calls and the delicate dance of adding new partners, Silver’s candor offered a refreshing glimpse into the complex calculus of growing the league, stateside and possibly across the Atlantic via a new European venture. Throw in Seattle’s hopeful whispers and Vegas’s glimmer, and you’ve got a cocktail of intrigue that extends well beyond the court. Ready to unpack all the nuances swirling around the NBA’s future moves? LEARN MORE

Silver said Thursday that he’s received “unsolicited” calls from people about expansion, likely referring to potential investors. But Silver warned that, despite interest from owners, expansion might not be a guarantee.TNT’s final NBA broadcast was Saturday, as the Pacers defeated the New York Knicks. The network’s beloved postgame show, “Inside the NBA,” signed off after the game with a literal mic drop.

Silver added league expansion could also be an opportunity to expand outside the United States, mentioning the league’s investment in NBA Africa.

Lastly, just before ending the news conference, Silver took a moment to “share my appreciation and gratitude to Turner sports,” as TNT’s partnership with the NBA came to an end last weekend.

Lastly, just before ending the news conference, Silver took a moment to “share my appreciation and gratitude to Turner sports,” as TNT’s partnership with the NBA came to an end last weekend.

Lastly, just before ending the news conference, Silver took a moment to “share my appreciation and gratitude to Turner sports,” as TNT’s partnership with the NBA came to an end last weekend.

Lastly, just before ending the news conference, Silver took a moment to “share my appreciation and gratitude to Turner sports,” as TNT’s partnership with the NBA came to an end last weekend.

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Silver thanks TNT after network’s final NBA broadcast

“I don’t think it’s automatic, because it depends on your perspective on the future of the league,” Silver said. “Expansion is in a way selling equity in the league, and if you believe in the league, you don’t necessarily want to add partners. On the other hand, we recognize there are underserved markets in the United States, and elsewhere — markets that deserve to have NBA teams. Probably even if we were to expand, more than we can serve.”

“If that were the case, you’d think you’d have more injuries in April than you do in October. We don’t see that. Or you think you’d see more injuries in the playoffs than you do in the regular season, and you don’t see that either,” he said.

But the show won’t be going away entirely, although its format might change. ESPN acquired the rights to “Inside the NBA” in November in a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery and will keep the broadcasting the show next season.Advertisement