The NBA is holding off on finalizing its 2026-2027 schedule as it waits for LeBron James to announce his next team, a decision that could significantly impact broadcasting plans.
LeBron's Choice Could Shake Up TV Plans
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed during the CNBC/Boardroom Summit that the league's media partners, NBC Sports, ESPN, and Amazon, are eager to set their schedules but are in a holding pattern due to James' next move. James, who recently announced his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, has yet to disclose where he will play next season.
"We have to finish up the schedule, right? And where LeBron plays will affect the schedule," Silver told Squawk Box anchor Andrew Ross Sorkin. "So I would like him to make his announcement already, so he can finish the schedule. Because as you might imagine, the teams are calling us, the networks are calling us, and everybody wants to lock in the schedule. But it will influence how we set the schedule, how we set opening week, Christmas Day, etc."
Potential Return to Cleveland?
Silver hinted at possible outcomes that could be more favorable for the league, such as a return to Cleveland, but refrained from making any assumptions. "On behalf of the league, I think there are certain storylines that may be better than others," Silver commented. "But I don’t want to prejudge it. Let’s see what he does."
Broader Media Rights Discussions
In addition to the LeBron situation, Silver addressed other league matters, including potential expansion and the evolving landscape of local media rights. Bob Iger is reportedly pursuing a Las Vegas expansion team, while YouTube and ESPN have shown interest in the NBA's local rights. Silver acknowledged YouTube's dominance in streaming and Netflix's comparable viewership to major networks.
"Audiences are rapidly shifting," Silver noted, suggesting that local rights might transition to streaming platforms like ESPN or YouTube. "I would love it to be in combination with local broadcast as well because local broadcast still has that reach that some of the streaming services don’t have."
Caitlin Clark and the WNBA
Silver also commented on the recent WNBA incident involving Caitlin Clark, who was involved in a controversial altercation during a game. The WNBA initially did not call a foul on the opposing player, but after Silver's intervention, it was later declared a flagrant foul.
Silver expressed frustration over the media's treatment of Clark, noting her unfair positioning in political discussions. "I’ve come to know Caitlin really well. She’s an incredible player and also an incredible person, and she wants to focus on being the best player she can," Silver said. "I don’t think that issue is ultimately about officiating. It’s become political ping pong with her, and she’s a young woman who’s trying to improve her game focus on being the best player as she can."
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nba-next-season-tv-schedule-waiting-lebron-james-1236650585/
