Jerry Colangelo – who was responsible for the expansion of the NBA back in the 80s – is arguably one of the most influential figures in the history of the NBA. He served as an executive director of the basketball league when American basketball was what he himself calls “a mess.” Since 1984, Jerry Colangelo has been a towering figure for the NBA. Now, the 83 years old American businessman and numberless franchise owner thinks that it is about time for the expansion of the NBA.
Recently, Jerry Colangelo spoke about his experience and why he believes that the league’s growth was necessary. The 83 years old American businessman recalls that there were “only 22 teams in the NBA” when he took over back in 1984. He also remembers that those days were “chaotic” for the NBA. As teams were withdrawing from the league because of financial instabilities, the ex-NBA executive director recalls that “doing something about it” was the need of the day. It was clear that something had to be done, Jerry Colangelo asserts.
Furthermore, Colangelo went on to explain how he expanded the league by adding four new franchises. These include:
- Charlotte Hornets
- Miami Heat
- Orlando Magic
- Minnesota Timberwolves.
According to him, these cities all offered great market potential and are now some of the most popular teams in the NBA today. He also noted that NBA expansion not only increased the popularity of the league, but it helped create jobs and spur economic development in those cities.
However, Colangelo’s vision for NBA expansion has certainly paid off, as NBA viewership numbers continue to grow year after year with no signs of slowing down. His leadership has been a major factor in the success and longevity of the NBA and its continuing growth throughout the years. With Colangelo at the helm, NBA fans have much to look forward to in terms of future expansion opportunities and even more thrilling professional basketball action!
The NBA is one of America’s most beloved sports leagues – thanks in part to Jerry Colangelo’s work towards expanding it back when he was commissioner in 1984. His understanding of the potential NBA expansion had to offer allowed him to add four new teams.
This move helped create jobs and spur economic development in those cities while also increasing NBA viewership numbers each year since then. Colangelo’s leadership has been a major factor in the NBA’s successful expansion plans and its continuing growth throughout the years. With his vision for NBA expansion, fans have much to look forward to for even more thrilling professional basketball action!
Thanks to Jerry Colangelo’s wisdom, NBA fans around the world will continue to enjoy top-notch basketball action for years to come. While he has officially resigned from the executive post of the NBA, Colangelo’s efforts will be remembered by NBA fans for years to come!
