Several NBA schedule changes have been discussed targeting the 2021-22 season, the 75th anniversary of the NBA’s formation. As reported by ESPN‘s Kevin Arnovitz, key figures in the NBA have discussed a reduction in the number of games in an NBA season as well as the possibility of an in-season tournament much like those that are typical to soccer leagues around the world. The following comes from the report by Arnovitz:
“According to those with knowledge of the conversation, which sources regard as very exploratory, the proposed reforms would be adopted initially as a pilot program. The NBA would have the chance to observe the trial run and evaluate the long-term viability of such a schedule design.
Supporters of a new mid-season cup-style tournament acknowledge the difficulty of its implementation without a corresponding reduction in the number of regular-season games. For instance, trimming games off the current 82-game schedule would have vast revenue implications for teams which have commitments to local broadcast partners and rely on revenue from attendance at live games.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has previously discussed the possibility of implementing a tournament during the NBA season to cut down on the number of games in the currently 82 game season. It remains to be seen what would be at stake in such a tournament if the proposed NBA schedule changes come to fruition.
The duration of the NBA schedule has come more into the public eye with the growing trend of “load management” as players try to stave off injuries throughout the season, most notably with Kawhii Leonard this past season, which helped to keep Leonard healthy as the Toronto Raptors claimed their first NBA championship.
