NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is flattered by the reports that the NFL and Fortune 500 companies are interested in recruiting him for future leadership positions.
The NBA’s top official also addressed the competitive balance of the league, saying that over time it stands to improve. Still, some things are well within each team’s ability to control, he said.
“It’s about management in this league, and it’s about developing a great culture and winning,” Silver added. He points out to the success of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who came to the league by way of Nigeria and has quickly become a global icon.
“I don’t think anyone thinks if he were down the road in Chicago, he would be more popular just based on that,” Silver said.
While NBA ratings have seen slight declines this season, many people attributing it to Lebron James moving to the Lakers, who play in the Pacific Time Zone. James also missed nearly 20 games due to injury.
Addressing the power of the league’s biggest star, the commissioner said that if the Lakers don’t make the playoffs, it will hurt business.
“That will impact the ratings because [James] has such a big global following,” Silver said, noting it would be true regardless of what team James played for. However, Silver pointed out that James missing the playoffs would though help the next generation of NBA players get exposure.
“But I wouldn’t count the Lakers or just yet,” he added.
Source:CNBC
