• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Tuned In is Almost Sold Out! Limited Tickets Remain!

Silver Hints At Potential NBA International Expansion As More Games Planned

  • Commissioner touts potential expansion in both Mexico, Canada.
  • League looks to balance global opportunity, travel burdens on players.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

While much of the current conversation around NBA expansion has been focused on Las Vegas and Seattle, league commissioner Adam Silver is already thinking several steps beyond that — even outside the U.S.

Appearing this week on NBC Sports Boston’s coverage of a Celtics-Knicks game, Silver said he’s actively thinking about a potential NBA franchise in Mexico, as well as further expansion in Canada.

“One day, I think that would be incredible if we could actually expand to a market like Mexico City,” Silver said.

The commissioner added there’s also “interest” in bringing a team to Montreal, as well as in a potential return to Vancouver, where the Grizzlies played from 1995 to 2001 before relocating to Memphis.

“It began so much as a hockey market when we first expanded there,” Silver said of Canada. “Obviously, they still love their hockey there, but there will be more opportunity over time.”

In any instance, league expansion won’t likely move forward until after the NBA completes its upcoming round of domestic media rights negotiations.

More Globetrotting

The NBA recently returned from its latest game in Mexico City and will play again in Paris in January. Silver said that while playing more international games is likely, he remains highly mindful of the impact of extended travel on players.

“It’s a balance,” Silver said. “But we are very much a global league.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 19, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Tyson Fury stands alongside Michelle Beadle on the set of the NBC Sports television show The Crossover.
exclusive

FanDuel TV Renews Michelle Beadle’s ‘Run It Back’

‘Run It Back’ will return for a fourth season.

WNBA Playoff Teams Highlight Gaps in League Ownership

Only two of the five independent teams qualified for the postseason.
exclusive

Zohran Mamdani Blasts World Cup Ticket Prices: ‘FIFA Is Becoming the Scalper’

The NYC mayoral candidate wants FIFA to cap resale prices at face value.

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.

Featured Today

Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
opinion
September 9, 2025

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from NFL’s Week 1 Broadcasts

Many viewers decried the addition of ads to “NFL RedZone.”
Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
September 7, 2025

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
Tennis
September 5, 2025

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.

Ryder Cup Boost Hitting This Week’s PGA, European Tour Events

The Procore Championship and BMW PGA Championship are benefiting.
September 9, 2025

WNBA Hits 3M Attendance Milestone in Season’s Final Week

The WNBA extended the season to a record 44 games this year.
Angel Reese
September 10, 2025

Unrivaled Adding Two Teams, a Fourth Night of Games per Week

The 3-on-3 league is expanding in its second 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.
Tony Parker
September 9, 2025

Tony Parker, French Team Owner, Says NBA Europe Is Inevitable

Parker didn’t rule out his ASVEL club joining the NBA’s new league.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22), Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10), Indiana Fever assistant coach Karima Christmas-Kelly and Indiana Fever assistant coach Briann January celebrate Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 97-77.
September 8, 2025

Indiana Fever Clinch Playoff Berth Even Without Caitlin Clark

The Fever will host at least one playoff game.
Sep 7, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; President Donald Trump prior to the final of mens singles at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
September 8, 2025

Ryder Cup to Sort Out Trump Attendance After US Open Delay

The president is planning on attending the Ryder Cup’s opening round.
September 8, 2025

NFL Kickoff Returns Skyrocket After Latest Rule Change

Only 18.6% of kickoffs produced a touchback during the first 15 games of Week 1.