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[Saba Sports News] NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently appeared on The Dan LeBatard Show and expressed his support for reducing NBA quarters from 12 to 10 minutes.
He pointed out that the NBA is the only basketball league playing 48-minute games, while international competitions like FIBA, the Olympics, and college basketball follow a 40-minute format.
Silver believes shorter games would make NBA broadcasts more appealing to modern TV audiences, aligning with the two-hour structure seen in other basketball leagues.
“People in arenas aren’t asking for shorter games, but for television, two hours is a more consistent format,” he explained.
This proposal is part of a broader effort to boost NBA ratings. On Shaquille O’Neal’s podcast, Silver also addressed concerns about the dominance of three-point shooting and shifting TV viewership habits in the 18-49 demographic.
Despite declining cable ratings, the NBA saw its most-watched Christmas Day slate in five years.
A switch to 10-minute quarters could enhance global appeal and player endurance, leading to more competitive play. However, fans—especially traditionalists—might resist such a fundamental change. As the league weighs its options, extensive audience research will be crucial before making any official moves.
Could the NBA’s 48-minute game soon be a thing of the past? Stay tuned.