Dec 15, 2024, 12:00 AM
Dec 15, 2024, 12:00 AM

Should the NBA expand to Mexico City to ignite basketball's growth?

Highlights
  • Mexico City has a current G League team, the Capitanes, which plays home games in a state-of-the-art arena.
  • Adam Silver highlighted potential obstacles for NBA expansion in Mexico City, including traffic congestion and socio-economic factors.
  • Expansion to Mexico City is likely many years away, with focus currently on American cities like Las Vegas and Seattle.
Story

In recent discussions regarding the potential expansion of the NBA, commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the significant interest and challenges related to placing a franchise in Mexico City. In an interview conducted in Mexico's capital, Silver remarked on the market's receptiveness and potential for growth, citing the Mexico City Capitanes' ongoing presence in the G League and the city's massive population of approximately 22 million. Despite the appeal of this market, Silver highlighted various obstacles, including overcrowding, complicated geography, socioeconomics, and a challenging traffic situation, which tend to overshadow the feasibility of immediate expansion plans. Silver indicated that while there is a strong desire to bring an NBA team into Mexico City, American cities such as Las Vegas and Seattle are considered more viable options at this time. He stated that expanding to Mexico City is likely many years away and referenced how the market could provide a unique opportunity for growth. For these reasons, despite Mexico City's potential for igniting interest in the league, it is difficult to advance discussions about establishing a franchise there. In context, the Capitanes have been working towards solidifying their place in the G League since their inception in 2021, playing their initial season in the United States before moving to Mexico City for the 2022-23 season. They play their home games in Arena Ciudad de México, a state-of-the-art facility built in 2012, which offers promise for basketball culture and fan engagement in the city. However, officials acknowledge that further infrastructural development may be needed to adequately support a full-time NBA team. Silver’s comments reflect a broader understanding of the complexities involved in expanding the league. Engagement with the National Basketball Players Association is critical to ensure acceptance among players moving to Mexico City, given potential concerns surrounding safety and relocation. The NBA’s future expansion plans may face scrutiny and deliberation as the league continues to assess all facets of market entry in different regions. Thus, while the face of the NBA might one day be seen in Mexico City, immediate efforts appear to be concentrated elsewhere.

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