NBA Mexico Games Could Lead to Latin American Expansion

After a well recieved NBA Mexico game on Thursday, Adam Silver opened the door to more games in Latin America. The NBA commissioner was speaking after the Orlando Magic played the Chicago Bulls in Mexico City.

Adam Silver praised the 22,300 capacity Arena Ciudad de Mexico, adding that NBA Mexico games “feel like regular NBA games”.

“As you can see, this is a state-of-the-art arena,” Adam Silver said. He added that he was hopeful that NBA games can be played in other parts of Latin America.

The Arena Cuidad de Mexico was built in 2013, and was a big factor in the NBA returning to Mexico. Previously, NBA Mexico games hadn’t been played since 1997.

“These will be our 27th and 28th games in Mexico,” Silver said.

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The NBA is yet to bring a regular season game anywhere else in Latin America. The issue, according to Silver, is a lack of facilities.

Currently there are no plans to hold games in Mexico City after this year, although Silver confirmed plans for more. The league on Thursday signed a new TV deal with Televisa. Silver added that negotiations with Mexico City have been “very positive”.

“We’re committed to come back to Mexico for many years to come,” he said.

The league is aware of basketball’s appeal in Mexico, with Silver noting that it’s  “No. 2 after soccer”.

“There were long lines of fans just waiting to get in [to the Bulls-Magic game],” Silver said.

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As well as that, the G League’s plan to establish a franchise in Mexico is underway for the start of next season.

“We’re in the third quarter there,” said Silver, adding that he wants a team “planting its flag in Mexico” very soon.