NBA commissioner's interest in 40-minute games reignites debate amid injury concerns
Commissioner Adam Silver has previously expressed public support for shortening NBA games from 48 to 40 minutes, and according to a Sports Illustrated reporter, Silver still favors the idea. Proponents argue the change would reduce player workloads by roughly 17 percent, align the NBA with college, WNBA, and FIBA formats, and produce a game length more suited to modern television audiences. However, critics note that star players already average well below 40 minutes per game, meaning bench players would bear most of the reduction, raising significant opposition from the players' association. The article also identifies concerns about competitive volatility, lost television revenue, and the disruption of historical statistical comparisons.
I am -- a fan of four 10-minute quarters," Silver said on The Dan Patrick Show in 2025.
Why it matters
For brands: Sponsors and advertisers tied to in-game inventory would face reduced exposure if the league cuts eight minutes per contest.
For media: Shorter games would mean fewer commercial breaks, directly affecting broadcast revenue for the NBA's television partners.
For athletes: Players — especially bench contributors — could see their minutes and market value significantly reduced if games are shortened, making union opposition likely.
Read the full story at CBS Sports
Sources
- CBS Sports · Sam Quinn: Should the NBA shorten games to 40 minutes? Pros and cons of move as league battles early season injury crisis