Adam Silver – NBA will ‘definitely’ be back in Mexico City

MEXICO CITY — As the NBA gears up for its 32nd game in Mexico City since 1992, commissioner Adam Silver reassured media and fans that the upcoming contest between the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks would not mark the end of NBA games in Mexico’s capital.

“The chances are very high that we will be back next year,” Silver stated, emphasizing the possibility of Mexico hosting more NBA games in the future. He also hinted at the complexities of the league’s schedule due to the attempt to minimize back-to-back games and crowded game nights.

Silver even humorously mentioned causing a “scheduling nightmare” for his colleagues with the recent addition of the NBA in-season tournament, which was inspired by European soccer cup competitions and is set to conclude with the semifinals and finals in Las Vegas on Dec. 7 and 9.

Looking ahead, the league will also organize an international regular-season game in Paris between the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 11, marking the second consecutive season to host a game in France.

Despite the logistical challenges, Silver emphasized the NBA’s commitment to playing more games in Mexico and affirmed, “We will be back next year with at least one game, and we’ll see whether it’s two games.”

Mexico holds a unique position as the only country outside the United States and Canada to have hosted as many NBA games. The league’s first regular-season game in Latin America dates back to December 1997, and since then, a total of 12 games have been played at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City, including the recent match between the Magic and Hawks.

Additionally, Silver conveyed the NBA’s strong interest in expanding its presence in Mexico and Latin America, mentioning the possibility of an NBA franchise based in Mexico in the future.

“We see this as a gateway to the rest of Latin America,” Silver explained, highlighting the league’s vision for future growth in the region that includes potentially having an NBA franchise in Mexico City one day.

The idea of an NBA team in Mexico has been a longstanding ambition, rooted in the vision of the late David Stern, Silver’s predecessor.

With 23 NBA teams having played in Mexico City over the past 31 years, the recent game provided a new experience for the Atlanta Hawks, marking their first regular-season game outside the United States and Canada.

“It’s exciting for them to be in a different venue,” Silver commented, underscoring the unique opportunity for both teams to engage with the city and its community ahead of the game.