NBA Deputy Commissioner Silver Vows To Maintain Rapid Growth In China

The NBA's heir apparent has "vowed to maintain the game's rapid growth in China" after Commissioner David Stern's retirement next year, according to Sun Xiaochen of the CHINA DAILY. NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver, Stern's chosen successor, "admits it will be a challenging task" but is confident he can run the business with more of an insight into the China market than his mentor had decades ago. On a visit to Shanghai, Silver said, "David Stern did not have the benefit, like I have had. When I came into the NBA, I learned the industry from the way he did things." With promotions on multiple levels, the NBA has "enjoyed a surge in popularity in China," despite the lockout-shortened '11-12 season. TV ratings were up while social media traffic and merchandising figures "continue to soar" (CHINA DAILY, 3/28).