Two storms are heading toward the NBA. First, the constant battle to increase the viewership, because that ship? It keeps sinking! Second, the sole dream of expanding the league beyond the US and no, just spreading out in Canada or South America. But, Europe, well, that’s the ambition Adam Silver is chasing now. Considering that the ratings and viewership keep hitting rock bottom, the Commissioner is looking for ways to boost things up. However, something else is brewing up to become the ultimate hurdle for Silver’s NBA.
The NFL just unwrapped a holiday treat for fans! Christmas Day football is back in 2025. With the holiday falling on a Thursday, expect a full-blown tripleheader. But here’s the twist: Netflix isn’t the only one in the mix; Amazon Prime is joining the party. Meanwhile, American radio host Dan Patrick bluntly commented, “Say goodbye to the NBA.” Last season, the Chiefs-Steelers and Ravens-Texans games brought a 24 million viewership record for the NFL. Therefore, this idea of a tripleheader will just elevate the ratings.
Netflix threw in Beyonce for the Christmas halftime show. Besides, “Peacock spent over $110 million for one game. Then you get people to sign up for that game, and close to 80% stay with Peacock. That’s what they want you to do. All these streaming services—sign up. You have to sign up to get it if you haven’t signed up already, and then you’re going to stay with those streaming services.”
NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2025: Super Bowl LIX Eagles vs Chiefs FEB 09 February 9, 2025, New Orleans LA Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams 93 forces a fumble by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick MahomesÃââ 15 during the second half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory credit Eric Canha/CSM Credit Image: Â Eric Canha/Cal Media New Orleans La USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20250209_zma_c04_466.jpg EricxCanhax csmphotothree354054
But this isn’t where the league and the teams are going to stop. Dan Patrick also mentioned: “There’s going to be four times each season where teams can use their throwback alternate jerseys, their uniforms. Get ready for that. That’s moving merchandise.” Could this be a lesson for Adam Silver? You know, tip on how to make the NBA more enticing for the fans across the globe. And maybe, just maybe, reduce the streaming prices as the audience has been complaining about the expenses.
Speaking of the viewership woes, it looks like even Stephen Curry‘s presence and a change in the All-Star Games’ format couldn’t save Silver’s big day in the Bay in February. Reports say only about 4.7 million people tuned in to watch the Weekend drama, and that’s it.
Therefore, the Commissioner is planning on heading towards Europe to spice things up for basketball. This, in return, could help the NBA in terms of viewership, ratings, and most importantly, open up a vast pool of talent to pick from. And who knows, the league may get its next Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, or Nikola Jokic!
Adam Silver moves a step forward in massive $4 billion expansion dreams for the NBA
Adam Silver has his eyes on Europe, but it’s all about the money. Instead of chasing basketball hotbeds, he’s targeting the richest markets. The NBA Europe dream could tip off by 2026-27, but it’s still up in the air. Potential teams? Think Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, and more from Germany, the UK, and Turkey. Each franchise? A cool $500 million. The total? A jaw-dropping $4 billion. Silver is all in, and NBA insider Rachel Nichols just added more fuel to the fire.
The NBA Commissioner, alongside FIBA’s secretary general, unveiled plans for a 16-team EuroLeague set to launch soon. “They made it clear this is not an expansion of NBA teams,” Nichols clarified. Well, the NBA isn’t merging with Europe—it’s building a whole new league. And FIBA? They’re all in, but there’s tension. EuroLeague and FIBA have had a rocky past, and the politics are real. FIBA’s president wouldn’t even say the EuroLeague’s name, instead kept referring to it as “that league.” Adam Silver, meanwhile, is eyeing a European structure with relegation, promotion, and 16 elite teams ready to battle.
Aug 8, 2024; Paris, France; NBA commissioner Adam Silver looks on before the game between United States and Serbia in a men’s basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Rachel Nichols further noted: “I think the idea is to have a self-sufficient league. Not one that comes back and forth over here but that has some relegation, some movement up and down in the bottom quarter of the league, but does have certain teams they start with.” Simply put, the NBA is sending a clear message. EuroLeague teams are in play, and Silver wants them. This isn’t just about expansion; it’s a power move. A future NBA Cup clash between Europe and the U.S.? That could change everything. Basketball is booming in Europe, and the NBA brand makes it even bigger. This is a long game, but Silver is playing to win.
The NBA stands at a crossroads. Viewership is sinking, the NFL is raising the stakes, and streaming costs are driving fans away. But Adam Silver has a bold counterplay—Europe. A $4 billion league, elite teams, and a fresh talent pipeline could rewrite basketball’s future. This isn’t just expansion; it’s a global power shift. And Silver? He’s betting big.
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