Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported earlier today that James Dolan sent another letter to the NBA’s Board of Governors where he admonishes the NBA league office. He has told other team owners of his intention to vote no on the approval of the new proposed budget, and the election of a new chair, citing a lack of transparency.
In a letter sent to the NBA’s Board of Governors and obtained by ESPN, Knicks owner James Dolan continues to take issue with the league office and tells teams that he’ll vote no on the league’s proposed operating budget for 2024-2025 and the election of a new BOG chair. Dolan… pic.twitter.com/DJvuLS7Mdh
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2024
This comes a few months after James Dolan chastised the NBA in an open letter for their then-rumored $76 billion media rights agreement with multiple partners, specifically complaining about the effect it will have on local television partners for franchises, and how that money is being distributed.
One of Dolan’s key concerns was the idea of equitable distribution, where a chunk of the money from the media rights deal, as determined in the collective bargaining agreement, would go to the teams, and subsequently the players. Dolan doesn’t believe this is far.
He claimed in the open letter that this revenue should be distributed based on the percentage of revenue each team generates for the NBA. Unsurprising from Dolan, considering his Knicks are one of the most popular franchises in the NBA, and generate a great deal of revenue for the league.
In perhaps what was the most egregious part of the letter, Dolan presented this issue in his effort to ensure the health of the league.
When in reality, it was a transparent plea to ensure that he and the New York Knicks continue to earn more money, especially considering that a revenue distribution model akin to what he suggested would significantly hamper the smaller and less popular franchises in the NBA, and would plateau the growth of the league.
Despite all this, it doesn’t look like Dolan is giving up, as he is doubling down on the contents of his multi-page letter from the summer and holding the NBA Board of Governors hostage.
It is unclear what action the NBA Board of Governors will, or even can take, against James Dolan. As an owner, he has been at odds with the institution for quite some time, years before he even put out the open letter. But it appears that they have a situation on their hands.
This is not a good look for the league ahead of the new season beginning, as it creates a massive distraction for the officials at the very least. But any escalation on this matter could make things even worse, and the NBA doesn’t want any of their major deals, specifically their new, lucrative, media rights deal, to be jeopardized.
Perhaps Adam Silver and the rest of the NBA officials will try to appease James Dolan, or at least work with him to come to an understanding that will allow the league to continue operating and focusing on more pressing concerns.
For Knicks fans, this could also serve as a distraction from what is set to be a very important season for them. The Knicks are considered title contenders next season, and to have that potentially be overshadowed by the actions of their owner would be a real shame.
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