The NBA awarding its 29th G League team to Mexico City was just "another achievement" for Commissioner Adam Silver, who "continues to pursue new revenue streams and attention for the NBA," according to Gary Washburn of the BOSTON GLOBE. Silver said of the league's presence in Latin America, "We very much doubled down our efforts over the last five years as we've continued to see the opportunity." He added, "In the last several years there's been dramatic changes in media and technology that's made our game more accessible, with our partnership with Televisa, ESPN Deportes here in Mexico. It makes it that much easier to transmit the games, make them available on devices other than television. We've seen an explosion of interest in Mexico over the last five years or so." Washburn noted the success of the G League team in Mexico City "could set the groundwork for more professional sports expansion." The NBA "needed positive international relations news" after the incident with China involving Rockets GM Daryl Morey's tweet supporting pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/15).
LONG TIME COMING: In San Antonio, Tom Orsborn noted NBA Mexico VP & Managing Dir Raul Zarraga was "thrilled to learn" from Silver that Mexico "finally would field a G League team." Zarraga said, "This is something we've been working for for such a long time. We always understand this would be a great next step for the country, for our fans and for the NBA and our partners." NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim said, "The momentum here in Mexico around basketball is extremely positive. We believe that this will only grow that excitement. This is a pivotal next step for Mexico, basketball development in Latin America and also the G League." Osborn noted the league's growth in Mexico City has been "immense lately with the additions of a basketball academy, a league store and a count of 20 million NBA fans." However, Silver said that there are currently "no plans for an NBA team" there (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 12/14).
