Adam Silver talks NBA expansion, tanking, 65-game rule, Blazers

NBA commissioner Adam Silver covered a wide range of topics following the league’s latest Board of Governors meetings, including expansion, tanking, and the league’s controversial 65-game rule.

Here are some takeaways:

Expansion Timeline

Silver said the NBA hopes to reach clarity on expansion by the end of the year.

“Our goal was in 2026 to resolve this issue one way or the other,” he said, via The Associated Press. “We need to know by the end of this calendar year what it is we’re doing.”

That doesn’t guarantee expansion is coming.

“There is absolutely a chance expansion may not happen,” Silver said. “It’s also possible we could expand to one market, maybe two, or no markets.”

Silver emphasized the process remains open.

“If you’re interested, call the league office … call PJT Partners directly,” he said. “There’s been no handshakes … no commitments. This is a completely transparent process.”

NBA Europe

The league continues to explore a European venture, though nothing is finalized.

Silver acknowledged strong interest, but said the preferred outcome would involve working with the EuroLeague rather than competing against it.

Tanking

Silver made it clear changes are coming.

“We are going to fix it … full stop,” he said. “Going into next season, the incentives will be completely different than we are right now.”

A decision is expected at a special Board of Governors meeting in May.

65-Game Rule

Despite recent criticism, Silver is not ready to make changes.

“I’m not ready to say it’s not working,” he said. “It is working.”

Silver acknowledged concerns, including situations like Cade Cunningham, but indicated the league is not inclined to adjust the rule based on individual cases.

Trail Blazers Sale

Silver said the sale of the Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon is progressing and could be finalized soon.

“We expect that there’ll be a vote shortly,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in the franchise’s long-term future in Portland.

“We wouldn’t be going through this process if the plan wasn’t to have a long-term lease in Portland,” Silver said.