Hour 3: Adam Silver on NBA Expansion and "Trial Balloons" to End Tanking
Hour 3: Adam Silver on NBA Expansion and "Trial Balloons" to End Tanking  
Podcast: The Carton Show with Craig Carton & Chris McMonigle
Published On: Fri Apr 17 2026
Description: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discusses record-setting viewership and the league's intent to expand into Las Vegas and Seattle. He details the implementation of the 65-game award eligibility rule and potential trial balloon solutions to discourage team tanking. Silver also touches on the growth of legal sports betting and plans for an independent league in Europe. 02:20 - NBA Viewership Growth 05:45 - Seattle and Vegas Expansion 13:15 - Regulated Sports Betting Integrity 22:10 - Awards Eligibility and Injuries 26:30 - Science of Load Management 32:05 - Ending League Tanking Culture 37:45 - Future Tournament Proposals 45:15 - NBA Europe International Growth