ADAM SILVER’S $75 BILLION PROJECT PUTS A DAMPER ON STEPHEN CURRY’S NBA DREAM, MONTHS AFTER CAUSING REGRET FOR SHAQUILLE O’NEAL (kf)
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s ambitious plans to expand the league are currently in a state of uncertainty. It depends on a huge media rights deal, which is expected to be finalized by fall 2025. This delay, targets a staggering dynamic deal worth 75 billion USD, could potentially keep alive the dreams of not one but two NBA players who want to own a team: Stephen Curry & Shaquille O’Neal are on hold. Silver wants to secure a deal with streaming options. A significant change from the traditional pay TV model that currently dominates sports broadcasting.
This move makes the NBA a prime target for Amazon, Apple and even Netflix. It is likely to eliminate longtime partners ESPN and Warner Bros. It’s also been reported that Amazon is eager to add NBA and NFL coverage to its ranks. That would give them a year-long Prime streaming schedule. Netflix is certainly an exception as the company has focused on making documentaries to market its sports segment and some celebrity golf specials – one-off events such. However, the revenue generation method of the advertising subscription model would suit Netflix in its consumer retention strategy.
The NBA’s expansion strategy is very cautious and depends on specific financial standards.
Silver has repeatedly emphasized the importance of reaching a new collective bargaining agreement with the NBA Players Association (NBPA) and finalizing a media rights agreement before welcoming new teams to the fold. Keith Smith, from Sportrac, believes that the NBA expansion process is “yet to be set” and that the formation of an expansion committee will likely follow the media deal.
This is a strategic move by Silver. By waiting until 2025, the NBA can ensure the most lucrative deal possible. Old names associated with the NBA such as ESPN and WBD are at risk of losing significant revenue if a new agreement is not agreed upon. All of this talk comes at a cost, however, with cities with passionate fan bases like Seattle and Las Vegas having to wait.
Will Steph Curry and Shaquille O’Neal have to wait?
For some time now, GSW star Stephen Curry has made headlines for expressing his desire to own a basketball team. He once had a clear answer of “Sure” , after being asked about his hobbies. He said, “I just want to be a part of an ownership group and feel that excitement that is obviously going to win, in a position where you can connect with the community and the fan base the way we have it here. Bay Area and with all the things I’ve learned during these 15 years of competition and the things I still have to learn about how the whole operation continues to function and grow, I can certainly add some value treated there”.
This describes Curry’s desire to stay in the basketball field even after retirement.
However, he is not alone. Shaquille O’Neal revealed that he also wants to own an NBA team. He even revealed that he is considering buying the Atlanta Falcons for a whopping $4 billion. But later pulled out of the deal, setting his sights on acquiring an upcoming NBA franchise that “would interest him more” . He revealed that he is doing very well in Vegas. He would jump at the chance if the NBA established a team in Sin City. However, with Steph also joining the conversation, Shaq won’t regret his decision!
The wait could be frustrating for Curry and O’Neal. But it could be a blessing in disguise for them. Because it gives them more time to build a strong core ownership group. Adam Silver’s focus on breaking media rights records and expanding the NBA will certainly delay the dreams of Stephen Curry and Shaquille O’Neal. But his decision will likely change the league forever and will ultimately benefit both the NBA and its ambitious owners in the long run. The coming months will be crucial.
