• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Adam Silver Floats Rule Changes, Defends NBA Ratings

The NBA commissioner told Dan Patrick that he is “a fan of four 10-minute quarters.”

[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Jan 23, 2025; Paris, FRANCE; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks before the Paris Games 2025 NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers at Accor Arena.
Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters via Imagn Images

The basketball world has not been kind to NBA commissioner Adam Silver after he said on The Dan Patrick Show that he is “a fan of four 10-minute quarters” over the traditional 12-minute quarters.

Silver acknowledged records and statistics could be affected if the change were implemented, which has been a common argument across all sports for cutting time or total number of games in a season. 

But four 10-minute quarters have worked in most other basketball leagues across the world. 

It’s the format in the Olympics, which follows FIBA rules. It’s also observed in other professional leagues like the WNBA and EuroLeague. NCAA college basketball is also a total of 40 minutes, though the women’s game has adapted to four quarters while the men play two halves.

Silver said a change to a 40-minute format would be beneficial to “modern television habits” as it would cut the game’s full run time to two hours. 

The NBA’s viewership has been a hot topic this season, as the league dealt with double-digit declines through the first two months of the season before its Christmas Day slate cut the drop to about 4%.

The commissioner described ratings as “roughly even” this year compared to last year and said he’s been frustrated by the narrative about the league’s ratings, given declines in other leagues and across traditional television at large.

“There’s a lot of people out there who may not be fans of the NBA and become consumed with that story,” Silver told Patrick. “[The] NBA seems to take a disproportionate amount of that discussion.” 

Other Rule Changes

It’s unlikely the NBA will switch to 10-minute quarters, as Silver said he’s “in the minority” of those in favor of the shift. But it’s clear the NBA is experimenting with radical changes across the board under Silver’s leadership.

The G League incorporated a free throw rule change in 2019 where only one free throw is attempted for any foul that would typically result in free throws, worth one, two, or three points depending on the circumstance. Silver alluded to a slightly tweaked version of this rule, which was “discussed a little” by the league, during his interview with Patrick.

The NBA has also changed its overall season format, adding the play-in tournament in 2020–2021 and the In-Season Tournament, now called the Emirates NBA Cup, last season.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB, Nike Unveil New Uniforms, and Yes, Sheer Pants Are Gone

The league and Nike are rolling out expected corrections as camps open.
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver (right) presents Team LeBron guard Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (30) with the The Kobe Bryant Trophy for being the most valuable player after the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Steph Curry Advised Adam Silver on All-Star Game Format Change

Viewership for the All-Star Game has declined in recent years.
Nov 26, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Alex Rodriguez watches as the Minnesota Timberwolves lose to the Houston Rockets in overtime at Target Center.

Glen Taylor Has ‘Limited’ Legal Options to Keep Timberwolves

One litigator says it’s usually “very hard to vacate an arbitration award.”
Jan 19, 2020; Santa Clara, California, USA; General view of San Francisco 49ers logo in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium.

Super Bowl Headed West As NFL Ponders International Future

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., will host next year’s Super Bowl.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.

YouTube Golf Goes Pro: Peoples League Joins Creator Competition Boom

A new league is launching for golf content creators.
NFL referees have had a tough time this season and work cut out at Super Bowl.
February 10, 2025

How Much Do NFL Refs Make?

Here’s a breakdown of what NFL refs make at football’s highest level.
Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; The 2024 NFL London Games, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears logo on the facade at an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
February 10, 2025

Do NFL Players Want an International Super Bowl?

Players told Front Office Sports where it should be held.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Mar 27, 2023; Mesa, Arizona, USA; MLB umpire Jose Navas points to the Chicago White Sox dugout in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park.
February 10, 2025

How Much Do MLB Umpires Make?

MLB umpires are among the highest-compensated officials in major North American leagues. 
February 9, 2025

New Orleans Native Lil Wayne Skipping Super Bowl After Kendrick Lamar Scuffle

His disappointment turned into an ad campaign, but he still isn’t attending.
February 9, 2025

Pricey Contracts, Stadium Talks Will Heat Up NFL Offseason

The 49ers and Vikings have big decisions to make about QBs who will be expensive.
February 9, 2025

LIV Golf Players Can Still Wear Shorts—If It’s Hot Enough

Pants will only be required in certain temperatures, FOS has learned.