League leadership is one area where no one within the NBA expects — or seemingly wants — a change in 10 years.
Adam Silver will be 66 in 2028 and would begin his 14th year as NBA commissioner. It would be his 36th year in the league.
The NBA’s official basketball is likely to carry Commissioner Adam Silver’s signature into 2028 and beyond.getty images
“I hope he’s in the job until he’s 100,” Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment CEO Scott O’Neil said.
Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins added, “There is no doubt in my mind that he will continue as commissioner 10 years from now.”
Silver’s impressive leadership has led to skyrocketing franchise values, increased league revenue and progressive business strategies, making him an attractive CEO candidate outside the NBA. But his status among his bosses — the NBA owners — is as strong as it has ever been given that this year he received a new contract with the league through 2024.
“He has the right mindset,” Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said. “He is innately curious and a great listener. … We have adapted best to culture and demography and a big part of that is leadership, and Adam is the right kind of person.”
One change in leadership could include a larger international executive team. “The general structure of leadership will be the same,” Martins said. “But as our international presence continues to grow, there could be more leadership in that area.”
