It is a big presidential election year in '20, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will not be campaigning for any candidates. Silver, speaking at the '19 Dealmakers in Sports conference, said, "I don't think it would be appropriate. ... Some people have suggested to me I not make individual political contributions because those are recorded. I still think it's important that I participate in democracy and don't think that that's necessary. I do think, though, there are lines that I should draw as the commissioner of the league to make sure that people understand that we are a platform." However, Silver is fine with NBA players voicing their own political opinions. "In society, we're seeing more activism among young people, and ... our players are young people and I find that they want to be involved," he said. "They have a point of view. They look for opportunities, whether it's through social media or the traditional media. They do it to let their issues and points of view be known." Silver pointed out that 25% of NBA players are not from the U.S., which the league prides itself on. "We have 1.6 billion social media followers collectively with all these different assets of the NBA and its various leagues and partners," he added. "This is an important place that people can come to let their positions be known. And I think it would be a little strange if I sort of had my finger on the scale, so to speak."
