Report: NBA revenue projected to reach $8 billion next season

By
Dan Feldman,

By
Dan Feldman

Published September 16, 2016 06:05 AM

NBA players back out — In this photo released by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (PGR) on Friday March 16, 2007 a large amount of cash in U.S. dollar currency is displayed at an undisclosed location in Mexico City. Federal officials seized US$ 205.6 million ( 154.3 million) in cash from a luxury house in one of Mexico’s most upscale neighborhoods and said they believe the money was tied to the methamphetamine trade. Seven people were detained as well.(AP Photo/PGR-HO) NO SALES

Update: The $8 billion refers to a calculation of total revenue that is not synonymous with BRI, according to a source.

The NBA’s 2017-18 salary-cap projection dropped from $107 million to $102 million.

It might be time to re-adjust – significantly upward.

Darren Rovell of ESPN (hat tip: Nate Duncan of the Dunc’d On podcast):

Told NBA revenues are projected to hit $8 billion next season.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 8, 2016

If Rovell is referring to Basketball Related Income, which might exclude some money that goes to owners, this would be a HUGE increase.

Here’s the history of BRI, according to Larry Coon’s NBA Salary Cap FAQ:

A lockout is still possible with either the owners or players capable of opting out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement by Dec. 15, but this type of revenue incentivizes both sides to strike a deal. Why turn off the faucet when it’s gushing this strongly, even if the other side gets a little more than you deem fair? Everyone is getting rich here.