In a recent statement that’s igniting hope for basketball fans in Mexico, NBA CommissionerAdam Silver hinted at the possibility of expanding the league to Mexico City.
Silver, who attended Saturday’s game between the Miami Heat and Washington Wizards in the Mexican capital, shared, “Personally, I would love to have a team” in the city, which holds the title of North America’s largest with around 22 million people.
However, Silver was clear that expansion to Mexico City, while appealing, faces more challenges than expansion in the U.S., where cities like Las Vegas and Seattle are frontrunners for NBA expansion.
“Being direct, it’s highly unlikely Mexico City would jump above U.S. cities that are currently under consideration,” Silver clarified. Still, the NBA is actively studying the city’s potential as part of its overall expansion plans, acknowledging Mexico City’s size and its potential to boost the NBA’s reach in Latin America.
It makes sense, bussineswise
“If we were to expand, adding two teams rather than one makes the most sense,” Silver noted, explaining that it would maintain the league’s balanced 16-team conferences.
He also highlighted that adding a team in Mexico City could serve as a strategic business move, saying, “Flipping a switch in a country of 130 million people and 22 million people here in Mexico City… could generate more interest and enthusiasm around the game.”
Saturday’s game, which fell during Mexico’s iconic Da de los Muertos celebrations, only added to the excitement. Mexican-American Heat player Jaime Jaquez Jr. gave local fans even more to cheer for, adding a touch of pride for the only Mexican heritage player on the court.
Mexico has the money and the infrastructure
Meanwhile, billionaire Alfredo Harp Hel’s family, one of Mexico’s wealthiest, has shown interest in potentially bringing the NBA to Mexico City. Silver was seen courtside with Alfredo’s son, Santiago Harp Gran, who is reportedly interested in the idea.
With the Mexican G League team, the Capitanes, already entering their third season, Silver’s latest comments could be a game-changer for the future of basketball in Mexico.
Though it could be “many years off,” according to Silver, the idea of an NBA team in Mexico City has already set imaginations aflame.
