• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 8, 2025

NBA Makes Budget Cuts, Stops Hiring Amid Economic Headwinds

  • An NBA spokesperson said the league is “facing a very different economic reality than just one year ago”.
  • An NBA memo obtained by The New York Times detailed a hiring freeze among other cost-cutting measures.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Economic conditions have caused the NBA to implement a hiring freeze and other cost-cutting measures around the league office.

In a memo obtained by The New York Times sent to NBA staff members Tuesday, the league said it was “facing a very different economic reality than just one year ago,” and added, “We are seeing significant challenges to achieving our revenue budget with additional downside risk still in front of us.”

NBA employees were told to cancel some off-site meetings or host them virtually, while other expenses related to travel and entertainment are being cut. 

Commissioner Adam Silver said last year that the NBA expected to make about $10 billion in revenue for its 2021-22 season. 

The budget cuts come just days after the NBA announced it sold the most tickets for a regular season in league history in 2022-23 and set new records for all-time attendance and sellouts. 

The NBA’s current media rights package expires after the 2024-25 season, and the league is seeking between $75 billion and $100 billion in its next wave of broadcast and streaming deals.

Industry Trend

Other leagues have also begun reducing costs amid macroeconomic concerns. 

Front Office Sports reported last month that the NFL is laying off staff from its media division. ESPN is also expecting to undergo layoffs amid widespread job cuts from parent company Walt Disney.

The NBA’s last round of layoffs occurred in 2020, ahead of the league’s restart during the pandemic. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

CBS, NFL Host James Brown Discussing Contract Extension

The 74-year-old Brown has hosted a record 10 Super Bowl pregame shows.

ESPN Brings Pat McAfee to Atlanta for Home Run Derby Showcase

The Disney-owned network will bring one of its top stars to Atlanta.
Malika Andrews
exclusive

Joe Buck, Malika Andrews to Guest-Host ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’

Elle Duncan and Laura Rutledge have also had discussions.

How Bradley Beal Buyout Would Save Suns $230M, and What’s Next

Beal has two years and $110 million remaining on his deal.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
Breanna Stewart

WNBA Players Call League Proposal For Fixed Salary Cap Inadequate  

The league’s collective bargaining agreement expires in less than four months.
Jul 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) heads to the dugout prior to the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.
July 4, 2025

MLB Changes Are ‘Showing Great Results’: Former CFO

Big stars playing in major markets “make a real difference.”
Nov 16, 2024; New York, NY, USA; President-elect Donald Trump speaks with Dana White (left) during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.
July 7, 2025

UFC Confirms Talks to Bring Fight to White House Grounds

Discussions are underway to bring a UFC event to the White House grounds.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Michael Johnson
July 3, 2025

Grand Slam Track Still Owes Athletes $13 Million: Source

The new track league hasn’t paid athletes in full yet.
July 2, 2025

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.
Sophie Cunningham
July 2, 2025

WNBA Expansion Decisions Show League Prioritizes North, NBA Ties

One player ripped the league for its geographic choices.
exclusive
July 2, 2025

PGA Tour Slashes FedEx Cup Winner Pay From $25M to $10M

The FedExCup is reworking how it distributes its bonus money.