• Loading stock data...
Saturday, April 26, 2025

Adam Silver Addresses ‘Broken’ RSN Model, Gives NBA Expansion Update

  • Adam Silver spoke to the press Tuesday following a board of governors meeting in New York.
  • He addressed topics including league expansion and the future of regional sports networks.
Imagn Images

NBA commissioner Adam Silver conducted a press conference in New York after a meeting with the league’s board of governors. Some of the important topics Silver addressed:

RSN Woes

Ahead of the board meeting, Knicks owner James Dolan delivered his second letter in the last two months to the NBA expressing several concerns about the league’s business decisions, including how the $77 billion media-rights deal it signed in July would lead to the downfall of regional sports networks.

Silver said that the national media deal, because of its scale and the addition of a third partner, will cannibalize inventory from the RSNs, but he said the old model wasn’t working, either, pointing out how 18 of the league’s regional partners were either defunct or in bankruptcy. For this season, Silver revealed the league’s struggling regional partners are receiving “significantly lower fees.”

He acknowledged that the RSN model is “broken” and that the league will spend the next six months “extensively studying” the issue. He also predicted that streaming services will play a bigger role in the future of local viewership.

“I think coming out of it, what you’ll see is that just in the same way these new media deals we entered into demonstrated the enormous interest in the NBA and WNBA on a national and global basis, there’s no reason that shouldn’t translate on a local basis,” Silver said.

Pumping the Brakes on Expansion

There was deliberately little talk about league expansion in this meeting, as Silver said the league is “not quite ready” to have the conversation. He said there is interest in expansion, and the league plans to discuss it with the board this season.

“Over time, organizations should grow, but it gets a little complicated in terms of selling equity in the league and what that means for the existing television relationships,” Silver said. “What we’ve told interested parties is, ‘Thank you for your interest. We’ll get back to you.’”

Silver stressed that the league has yet to make a decision on the markets, or even whether to expand at all. There have been numerous reports that the league is looking to add two expansion teams, most likely in Las Vegas and Seattle.

Growing Across the Pond

Last month, the Associated Press reported the NBA was looking at increasing its footprint in Europe. The NBA has already established leagues in Africa and Asia, but Silver believes Europe is an untapped market.

“There’s agreement that where we are in terms of the level of interest in basketball is not commensurate with commercial activities,” Silver said. 

He confirmed they are considering options like a tournament or league in Europe, but there are no specifics as of now.

Hands Off on Timberwolves Dispute

There is an arbitration hearing in November between Timberwolves principal owner Glen Taylor and minority owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore—but Silver said the league will have no say in the matter.

“Depending on the outcome, only then would the league continue a vetting process for ownership,” Silver said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Knicks, Rangers to See Big Cut in MSG Networks Media-Rights Fees

The teams will each see big reductions in their local media-rights fees.
Apr 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrates his three-point basket in the first quarter against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena.

Evan Mobley’s DPOY Win Adds $45 Million to Contract

Mobley’s contract extension got more expensive with his DPOY win.

Comcast Leans On Sports As Revenue Slides and Cord-Cutting Grows

NBC Sports’ rights portfolio remains a company bedrock.
Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards Increases Fine Lead With ‘Bigger Than Yours’ Taunt

The Timberwolves star has led the NBA in fine money this year. 

Featured Today

Apr 13, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Jake Mangum (28) scores a run against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

The Rays Groundskeepers Are Adjusting to Life Outside the Dome

After nearly three decades in a dome, Tampa groundskeepers were forced outside.
April 25, 2025

The Former NBA Agent Who Became a Pickleball Deputy Commissioner

Chris Patrick went from representing Jimmy Butler to pickleball deputy commissioner.
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
April 21, 2025

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.

Five QBs Drafted As Shedeur Sanders Slips to Fourth Round

Shedeur Sanders is still waiting after slipping out of the first round.
April 25, 2025

Trump Defends Sanders After Snub: ‘What Is Wrong With NFL Owners?’

He said Shedeur Sanders has “phenomenal genes” and asked if owners are “stupid.”
April 25, 2025

Ohio State’s $20M Roster Sends 7 Players to NFL in First Two..

The NIL-fueled title team had more draftees than all of the Big 12.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
April 25, 2025

NFL Draft Attendance in Green Bay Easily Tops Early Projections

Round 1 drew 205,000 fans in and around Lambeau Field.
Sponsored

Fighting for Clarity: Inside UFC’s New Partnership With Total Wireless

UFC teams with Total Wireless in a no-frills partnership built for today’s mobile-first, value-driven fanbase.
MLB Speedway Classic rendering
April 24, 2025

Baseball Meets Bristol: Braves-Reds Game Aims for Record Crowd

Playing an MLB game inside a racetrack brings unique challenges.
April 24, 2025

Fewer NFL Draft Prospects Will Be in Green Bay. Here’s Why

There will be 15 NFL Draft prospects in Green Bay.