NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discusses the key items on the agenda

NBA commissioner Adam Silver begins his 11th year at the helm with the “biggest agenda items already completed” and he will “gratefully acknowledge that the NBA is structurally in better shape than it has been in ages,” according to Chris Mannix of SI. Looking ahead, Silver addressed the “key items still on his agenda.” With the CBA and national media deals finalized, the “possibility” of the league adding teams for the first time in 20 years is “coming to the forefront.” Silver “warns that any expansion discussions are preliminary in nature.” On the WNBA's side, Silver said it “could expand more quickly.” Elsewhere around the league, Silver said that improving the fan experience is “at the top of my agenda” – and that there is “room for growth” in the at-home experience. Silver: “This will require leveraging new technologies, largely delivered through streaming services, to find better ways to engage fans. This is achieved through the personalization of these television shows – things that you certainly can't do on broadcast television or linear cable, but you can do on streaming.” The spread of legal sports gambling – which Silver “strongly advocated for” back in 2014 – has “more possibilities created for exploitation.” He said: “AI will play a big role in this. I think these surveillance systems are becoming more and more sophisticated [detect] deviant behavior.” Silver said the league is “learning about the best ways to protect our players” and has “heard directly from coaches and players who felt harassed.” He added: “We want to do everything we can to make sure there is a safe environment for them and our officers.”SI, October 21st).