OT: NBA considering expansion

[HailToPitt725]

To offset financial losses from COVID-19. Would expand to 32 teams; each team would have a price tag of $2.5B.

No, I don’t think Pittsburgh will get a team, nor do I think one would do particularly well, but a reminder that Pittsburgh resident Thomas Tull has or had a stake in the 76ers and almost purchased the Atlanta Hawks a few years back. It wouldn’t be the craziest thing if he decided to pursue an expansion team.

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

To offset financial losses from COVID-19. Would expand to 32 teams; each team would have a price tag of $2.5B.

No, I don’t think Pittsburgh will get a team, nor do I think one would do particularly well, but a reminder that Pittsburgh resident Thomas Tull has or had a stake in the 76ers and almost purchased the Atlanta Hawks a few years back. It wouldn’t be the craziest thing if he decided to pursue an expansion team.

Let’s try and get him to become a booster for Pitt athletics.

 

[bayardstreet]

They haven’t expanded in 25 or 30 years. The league has always been concerned with having too many lousy franchises that are always uncompetitive. I get that ! They don’t want to add two more teams that become bottom feeders for 10 years. Some of this lies squarely on the league also as they let 8-10 superstars make side deals to play together to win championships. That doesn’t happen in the other three North America professional sports leagues. Portland has a couple of terrific players but I don’t think Lebron and Durant would ever have a phone conversation about teaming up with the trailblazers. It’s Portland, not LA

 

[HailToPitt725]

They haven’t expanded in 25 or 30 years. The league has always been concerned with having too many lousy franchises that are always uncompetitive. I get that ! They don’t want to add two more teams that become bottom feeders for 10 years. Some of this lies squarely on the league also as they let 8-10 superstars make side deals to play together to win championships. That doesn’t happen in the other three North America professional sports leagues. Portland has a couple of terrific players but I don’t think Lebron and Durant would ever have a phone conversation about teaming up with the trailblazers. It’s Portland, not LA

I agree. Mark Cuban had the right idea, in my opinion: The league would be better off taking out a $5B loan than expanding. Even with the expansion payout, the teams would receive less over time since their share of the “pie” would be down to 1/32.

 

[Blue Goose]

who really cares about pro basketball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! have not really watched a game in the last 20 years...........

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

I agree. Mark Cuban had the right idea, in my opinion: The league would be better off taking out a $5B loan than expanding. Even with the expansion payout, the teams would receive less over time since their share of the “pie” would be down to 1/32.

Seattle, Las Vegas, and Louisville might be interesting options for expansion.

 

[Ski11585]

Adam Silver had a notably different tune this year when talking about expansion. I think they add one in Seattle and one in Vegas.

 

[JD1976]

Adam Silver had a notably different tune this year when talking about expansion. I think they add one in Seattle and one in Vegas.

With a new arena in Seattle with the Kraken coming next year you would hope they get a shot, but Vegas has the new building and a ton of resources to work with.

 

[Ray-Ray]

Adam Silver had a notably different tune this year when talking about expansion. I think they add one in Seattle and one in Vegas.

Shows how much I follow the NBA. I thought Seattle still had a team. Where did the Supersonics go?

 

[HopeandChangeforAntoons]

If they are afraid of adding two new crap teams they could just game the expansion so the new team immediately runs to the finals like the NHL did with Vegas.

 

[revampedpanthers]

Adding teams just to get some quick cash is stupid. Adding teams if you think long-term their markets will help sure. Seattle and vegas are probably the two best choices.

 

[HailToPitt725]

Shows how much I follow the NBA. I thought Seattle still had a team. Where did the Supersonics go?

Oklahoma City; they became the Thunder.

 

[Upg bobcat]

This is easy for someone sitting in Pittsburgh to say because we do not have a team, but why doesn't the NBA ditch having hometown cities? The pandemic rages on so the bubble is probably going to be a thing for another year, and after that just have the various teams split their games across cities all over the US, Europe, and I'm sure Adam Silver wants some games in Asia too. I think out of all the pro sports, the NBA players have demonstrated the least amount of loyalty to the cities they play for.

There is little hope in the NBA for the small market teams. If Pittsburgh got a franchise, I have no doubt that it would never win an NBA championship. As good as the Bucks are, I'm not sure the NBA will let the Milwaukee market win a title. Cleveland had LeBron for 11 seasons ... Cleveland could only win a single championship even when it had both LeBron and Kyrie and a decent supporting cast. Indiana will never win an NBA championship. Oklahoma City will never win an NBA championship. Sacramento will never win an NBA championship. I honestly think the Pirates have a better shot of winning World Series number 6 before those cities win an NBA title.

 

[wbrpanther]

who really cares about pro basketball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! have not really watched a game in the last 20 years...........

I don’t watch it either but a hell of a lot of people do.

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

They could add Seattle and Las Vegas to the West, and then move Memphis and New Orleans to the East.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

Vegas is a no brainer. I hope no Louisville.

 

[pittmeister]

I loved the NBA in the 1980’s But today it’s unwatchable... I haven’t watched a game in years....

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

I loved the NBA in the 1980’s But today it’s unwatchable... I haven’t watched a game in years....

I’m same way. Loved the nba in 80s and actually became a knicks fan in late 80s into mid 90s. so many fun teams and players to watch back then. besides lakers and celts, you had the hawks with dominique and rivers, trailblazers where fun, pistons in late 80's.

not sure what happened in the 21st century with nba but i've tried countless times and i just cant do it..

 

[Ski11585]

I loved the NBA in the 1980’s But today it’s unwatchable... I haven’t watched a game in years....

If you haven't watched a game in years, then how do you know its unwatchable?

 

[pitt90seven]

who really cares about pro basketball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! have not really watched a game in the last 20 years...........

then why click on the topic? really? what is the point? no on cares that you're not into the nba.

I’m same way. Loved the nba in 80s and actually became a knicks fan in late 80s into mid 90s. so many fun teams and players to watch back then. besides lakers and celts, you had the hawks with dominique and rivers, trailblazers where fun, pistons in late 80's.

not sure what happened in the 21st century with nba but i've tried countless times and i just cant do it..

i used to think like this. but it's better than it probably ever has been. the quality of the players is light years ahead of those times. you should give it a serious try again.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

then why click on the topic? really? what is the point? no on cares that you're not into the nba.



i used to think like this. but it's better than it probably ever has been. the quality of the players is light years ahead of those times. you should give it a serious try again.

i have no doubt the quality of play is better, the athletes are better. i really think my problem is there is no team or player to gravitate too. there seemed to be so many characters back then, either likeable or dislikeable players, characters to follow. these players now are just faceless athletes with little if any appeal.

again, just my opinion.

 

[pitt90seven]

Nothing worse than OSU fans. Nothing.

i have no doubt the quality of play is better, the athletes are better. i really think my problem is there is no team or player to gravitate too. there seemed to be so many characters back then, either likeable or dislikeable players, characters to follow. these players now are just faceless athletes with little if any appeal.

again, just my opinion.

try it. nostalgia tells you it was better back then but there is WAY more characters now. i mean, if that's what you're into, there's all kinds of drama if you want to get into it. but the "this team," hates "that team," is gone. that's the main difference. it's not a team driven league. it's player driven. which it always was. we just pretended it wasn't back then. it's just acknowledged now.

 

[happjack]

i have no doubt the quality of play is better, the athletes are better. i really think my problem is there is no team or player to gravitate too. there seemed to be so many characters back then, either likeable or dislikeable players, characters to follow. these players now are just faceless athletes with little if any appeal.

again, just my opinion.

Start watching the Milwaukee Bucks & Giannis Antetokounmpo, your opinion might change.

 

[pittchagg]

Every time this comes around I hope that Pittsburgh gets an NBA team. I’d gladly trade the Penguins for an NBA team. Can’t tell you when I last watched a hockey game.

That said, Seattle and Vegas with New Orleans and Memphis moving to the East are natural choices. But I’d love if it was Pittsburgh.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

I agree. Mark Cuban had the right idea, in my opinion: The league would be better off taking out a $5B loan than expanding. Even with the expansion payout, the teams would receive less over time since their share of the “pie” would be down to 1/32.

Yeah. the NHL IMO has expanded to take too many money grabs. Though lately they have been smart about it. Mostly going into non NBA cities because the NHL is really gate reliant, definitely more than the other leagues.

To me, there seems to be too many really bad NBA franchises. (It is hilarious that two of them reside in the "mecca" of basketball)

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

Yeah. the NHL IMO has expanded to take too many money grabs. Though lately they have been smart about it. Mostly going into non NBA cities because the NHL is really gate reliant, definitely more than the other leagues.

To me, there seems to be too many really bad NBA franchises. (It is hilarious that two of them reside in the "mecca" of basketball)

as a sports fan that loves my city, a proud yinzer thru and thru, i'd welcome a team in pittsburgh but not an expert in the league, i am curious if we'd be relegated to an ownership group and franchise that was doomed from the start with very little chance of ever being competitive.. a grizzlies or hornets in pittsburgh...

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

List of cities who would be NBA expansion candidates over Pittsburgh:
Las Vegas
Kansas City
San Diego
Seattle
Montreal
Tampa
St Louis
Cinci

In other words, ain't happening.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

List of cities who would be NBA expansion candidates over Pittsburgh:
Las Vegas
Kansas City
San Diego
Seattle
Montreal
Tampa
St Louis
Cinci

In other words, ain't happening.

you think cincy would be a good spot. smaller city but across river from kentucky. LV is an absolute must for all professional franchises, without a doubt..

KC too. montreal?

 

[pitt90seven]

the answer is seattle. if the nba expands, it will be in seattle.

 

[LeftCoastPanther]

San Diego would be an ideal location, especially with the Chargers gone. Build a cool arena near the baseball stadium in the Gas Lamp quarters. Free agents would love to play there. The Timberwolves should move there.

 

[Upg bobcat]

Seattle couldn't keep the Supersonics well after the tech boom started, so I'm not sure why they'd make such an ideal candidate. Sure, the city has continued to grow since they left, but the NBA failed in both Seattle and Vancouver and I'm not sure going back to the area is all that attractive.

Is Austin, TX too close to the three other Texas NBA teams? That is growing city and is probably well suited for a professional sports team. I guess they are getting MLS franchise this year?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

NBA needs to expand to Europe. Here's my idea for a 40 team league

Eastern Conference

Europe
London
Paris
Madrid
Berlin
Rome

Atlantic, Central, and SE divisions remain the same.

Western Conference

Midwest
Minnesota
St. Louis
Kansas City
Memphis
Denver

Southwest
Dallas
Houston
SA
OKC
NO

Pacific
LAC
LAL
SD
Phoenix
LV

Northwest
Seattle
Portland
Utah
GS
Sac

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

NBA needs to expand to Europe. Here's my idea for a 40 team league

Eastern Conference

Europe
London
Paris
Madrid
Berlin
Rome

Atlantic, Central, and SE divisions remain the same.

Western Conference

Midwest
Minnesota
St. Louis
Kansas City
Memphis
Denver

Southwest
Dallas
Houston
SA
OKC
NO

Pacific
LAC
LAL
SD
Phoenix
LV

Northwest
Seattle
Portland
Utah
GS
Sac

i dont think this is crazy at all. would be really cool to see a world wide league..

 

[PittFanDan17]

Pittsburgh would fail miserably for an NBA franchise

 

[happjack]

Seattle couldn't keep the Supersonics well after the tech boom started, so I'm not sure why they'd make such an ideal candidate. Sure, the city has continued to grow since they left, but the NBA failed in both Seattle and Vancouver and I'm not sure going back to the area is all that attractive.

Is Austin, TX too close to the three other Texas NBA teams? That is growing city and is probably well suited for a professional sports team. I guess they are getting MLS franchise this year?

The Sonics moving to OKC was shady and a huge black eye for the NBA.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Seattle couldn't keep the Supersonics well after the tech boom started, so I'm not sure why they'd make such an ideal candidate. Sure, the city has continued to grow since they left, but the NBA failed in both Seattle and Vancouver and I'm not sure going back to the area is all that attractive.

Is Austin, TX too close to the three other Texas NBA teams? That is growing city and is probably well suited for a professional sports team. I guess they are getting MLS franchise this year?

Seattle is one of the top sports cities in America. Heck, they get 30K per game for MLS. The Sonics were hugely popular there. They left because of the arena issue.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

i dont think this is crazy at all. would be really cool to see a world wide league..

Naysayers will say it will spread the league's stars too thin. You may not get LeBron every year at home if you're in the other conference. That's true but I think the pros outweigh the cons. And there is such a huge global supply of talent, it wouldn't water down the league as much as expansion in other sports where only a few countries play it.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

Naysayers will say it will spread the league's stars too thin. You may not get LeBron every year at home if you're in the other conference. That's true but I think the pros outweigh the cons. And there is such a huge global supply of talent, it wouldn't water down the league as much as expansion in other sports where only a few countries play it.

you'd have to do it like seperate leagues all under one entity. i mean you cant have the lakers playing a wednesday night game in shanghai then coming back to play the magic on saturday only to go play the Frankfurt team the following week..

set it up where there in the nba and have a european league, a far east league but again, share and unify this all under one entity and have the championship of one league play the other. like in the early days of the nfl with the NFC/AFC. It could evolve where you do play some cross games during regular season, like an international version of interleague play like they do it in baseball.

im stealing early nfl, interleague mlb setup with some "little league world series" ideas and merging them into nba fashion.. a huge undertaking of enormous proportions but the payoff would be tremendous..

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

you'd have to do it like seperate leagues all under one entity. i mean you cant have the lakers playing a wednesday night game in shanghai then coming back to play the magic on saturday only to go play the Frankfurt team the following week..

set it up where there in the nba and have a european league, a far east league but again, share and unify this all under one entity and have the championship of one league play the other. like in the early days of the nfl with the NFC/AFC. It could evolve where you do play some cross games during regular season, like an international version of interleague play like they do it in baseball.

im stealing early nfl, interleague mlb setup with some "little league world series" ideas and merging them into nba fashion.. a huge undertaking of enormous proportions but the payoff would be tremendous..

Couldn't do a world league. A division of Western Europe teams is the way to go. Those teams could make only 4-5 extended road trips each year to the states. Playoffs would be a problem.

 

[benchwarmer04]

WGAF........WGAS