• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 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

Silver: My Comments About Basketball Highlights Were ‘Misconstrued’

The NBA commissioner spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned in summit.
Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) dribbles on New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.

Adam Silver: NBA’s Problems With Gambling ‘Have Been Predictable’

Silver originally advocated for legalized sports betting in a 2014 op-ed.
Maria Taylor

Maria Taylor Talks About ‘Moving Differently’ in ESPN-NBC Jump

Taylor will be NBC Sports’ lead NBA and WNBA studio host.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.