Adam Silver ‘Would Love’ NBA Team in Mexico City: Talks Expansion, All-Star Changes, Global Growth, and More
Adam Silver discusses NBA expansion, Mexico City’s role, All-Star potential, community accessibility, and efforts to grow basketball’s global reach in a press conference.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised the league’s deepening ties with Mexico on Wednesday. The league’s 33rd game in Mexico City marked the league’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global footprint.
In a recent press conference before the Washington Wizards and Miami Heat faced off at Arena Ciudad de México, Silver addressed topics ranging from league expansion and ticket pricing to fan engagement and the NBA’s grassroots initiatives in Mexico.
NBA Eyes Expansion, with Mexico City on the Radar
Silver acknowledged the growing interest in expansion, with Mexico City seen as a top candidate. While no timeline has been established, Silver noted that expansion discussions are underway, pending the league’s upcoming media rights deal.
The content below was originally paywalled.
“I would love to have a team in Mexico City,” Silver said, calling it “a gateway into Latin America.”
He highlighted the role of Mexico City’s G League team, Capitanes, as a testing ground for NBA operations in the region. With Capitanes successfully integrating into the league and posting a winning season last year, the NBA has gathered insights on logistics, fan support, and cultural integration.
“Capitanes was the first step along the way and for us to begin experiencing what it means to operate here culturally, in terms of altitude, in terms of the building, fan support, all those important factors. So I’m not ready to make news today specifically about bringing an expansion team to Mexico City, but as I said, it’s something we will look at over time.”
This is far from the first time Mexico City has been floated as a potential expansion option. With the desire to have a growing footprint in Central and South America, placing a team there would serve as the gateway to reaching a larger pool of fans.
Commitment to Community and Accessibility
Silver addressed concerns about ticket prices, explaining that while the NBA aims to keep games accessible, the secondary market can complicate this goal.
“The issue with ticket prices is, of course, we always want to make sure people have access to the games,” Silver explained. “The problem these days is there’s such a fluid market, what we call a secondary market for tickets, that if you artificially charge below what people are willing to pay, they just resell them to people who are willing to pay more, so it’s always a challenge.”
The NBA works with local organizations to reserve tickets for young fans and community groups, keeping the experience accessible to all.
“We’re delivering opportunities for people in the community, not just people who can afford the most expensive tickets,” he said. “It’s something we are focused on.”
All-Star Game in Mexico City? NBA Says Maybe
When asked about bringing the NBA All-Star Game to Mexico City, Silver suggested the city would be a top choice if the league held the event outside the U.S. and Canada.
“There’s a long list of NBA cities that are also competing to get All-Star Games, but I think if we were to bring an All-Star Game, again, outside of our U.S. cities or, of course, Toronto, Mexico City would be at the top of our list,” Silver noted.
The commissioner also entertained the possibility of hosting a WNBA game in Mexico and planned to discuss it with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
“I think they should be bringing a game here,” Silver said. “We will talk to our colleagues about it… there’s great receptivity.”
Game Format Changes for All-Star Weekend
Silver acknowledged that last year’s All-Star Game was criticized for its lack of competitiveness. He and other league officials are exploring new formats to increase fan engagement and player enthusiasm.
“Everyone was disappointed in what they saw last year,” Silver said. “We want to do something that will excite the fans and also excite the players, so it’s something they’re enthusiastic about participating in.”
Embracing Mexico’s Growing Fanbase
Silver emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent in Mexico, citing the NBA Academy in Latin America as a pathway for aspiring players. Comparing the market’s potential to Canada’s after introducing the Toronto Raptors, he expressed optimism for basketball’s growth in the region.
“The talent exists, and the interest exists,” Silver said, adding that Mexico’s academy and grassroots programs aim to identify and cultivate young talent. “I think back on the expansion to Canada… Initially, of course, we were in Toronto and Vancouver… and at the time, we had two players from Canada. Last season, we had 28 players from Canada.”
As the NBA expands its community programs and games in Mexico City, Silver praised the local fanbase, calling their dedication “unmatched.”
Support Dallas Hoops Journal
As an independent Dallas Mavericks reporter, it helps when you sign up for a premium membership to read my most in-depth content. The cost is regularly $10 per month or $100 annually, but take advantage of a 20% discount for an annual subscription to celebrate the new season.
Follow on Other Platforms
For more Mavs, NBA, and WNBA coverage, follow Grant Afseth on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Be sure to subscribe on YouTube for content throughout the 2024-25 season.
