While LIV Golf caused a significant disruption in the golf world, leading to ongoing repercussions, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith remains confident that such a fracture is unlikely to occur in the NBA.
In response to concerns raised by a former Golden State Warriors minority owner, Smith took to social media to express his optimism about the league’s future, stating that it is currently experiencing unprecedented success.
Having ownership stakes across 4 pro sports leagues, I couldn’t disagree more. The NBA’s future and reach is the brightest it’s ever been. The global player movement & adoption along with a strong mobile experience is differentiated. Plus the willingness to innovate and change… https://t.co/J3Z3tO1kd9
— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) February 3, 2025
Smith’s perspective may be influenced by his ownership of the Jazz, which he acquired for $1.66 billion in 2020, as well as his ownership of other sports teams such as the Utah Hockey Club, Real Salt Lake, and the Utah Royals.
The discussion was sparked by Chamath Palihapitiya’s decision to sell his stake in the Warriors due to concerns about a potential threat from a new basketball league. While this may seem unlikely, similar situations have arisen in other sports, with new basketball leagues emerging.
For example, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund launched LIV Golf as a competitor to the PGA Tour, attracting top players with lucrative deals. Talks of a potential merger between the two leagues have been ongoing, highlighting the existing fragmentation in the golf industry.
Furthermore, initiatives like Maverick Carter’s proposed international basketball league, which aims to raise $5 billion in funding, and the introduction of the 3×3 women’s basketball league, Unrivaled, indicate a growing interest in alternative basketball platforms.
While NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed interest in establishing an NBA Europe league, existing leagues like the EuroLeague, National Basketball League in Australia, and Chinese Basketball Association continue to thrive. The NBA’s expansion efforts, including the launch of the Basketball Africa League, further demonstrate the league’s global reach and ambition.
Despite these developments, the NBA’s dominance in the basketball world remains unchallenged. The significant investment required to rival the NBA’s talent pool and global appeal suggests that any potential threat to the league is still a distant possibility.