As the NBA marked its 32nd game in Mexico City since 1992, Commissioner Adam Silver conveyed a strong message last Thursday: the league’s games in Mexico are here to stay. He hinted at a high likelihood of the NBA returning next year, though the exact number of games is still undecided. The complexity of the NBA schedule, with efforts to reduce back-to-back games and busy stretches, plays a significant role in this planning.
Silver humorously referred to the NBA’s in-season tournament, inspired by European soccer cups, as a scheduling challenge. This tournament, kicking off this month, wraps up with its final rounds in Las Vegas in early December.
An international fixture is also set for Paris, continuing the NBA’s global reach. Despite these expanded commitments, Silver reassured fans of the league’s strong intent to bring more games to Mexico.
Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks’ star, shared his enthusiasm for playing in Mexico City, praising the vibrant atmosphere and expressing willingness to play there regularly. His comments underline the significant relationship between the NBA and its Mexican fanbase.
Mexico’s unique position in the NBA landscape is highlighted by its history of hosting regular-season games since 1997. The G League’s Capitanes de Ciudad de Mexico, the first Latin American NBA-affiliated team, is another testament to this relationship.
While Silver remained vague about specifics, he reiterated the league’s interest in potentially establishing an NBA franchise in Mexico, seeing it as a stepping stone to a broader presence in Latin America.
This vision, tracing back to the late David Stern, was echoed by players like Jalen Suggs, who cherished the opportunity to play in a distinct cultural setting. The recent game not only marked a milestone for the Hawks but also for the NBA’s ongoing expansion efforts.
Silver also highlighted the teams’ cultural immersion in Mexico City, engaging in local activities and community events, showcasing the NBA’s commitment to cultural exchange and global outreach.
In summary, the NBA’s sustained engagement in Mexico, combined with player enthusiasm and strategic expansion plans, demonstrates the league’s dedication to a global presence and cultural connection.
