NBA Commissioner Confirms Grizzlies Stay in Memphis, Teases Nashville Games
NBA expansion is on the horizon after owners voted in approval of taking bids for two potential new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas. While these cities are next in line for a new team, Nashville has garnered recent interest from both the NBA and MLB. Currently, the Memphis Grizzlies represent Tennessee in the NBA, but speculation about their future intensified after LeBron James suggested moving the team to Nashville. On Wednesday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed this speculation, stating that relocating the Grizzlies is not currently on the table. However, he acknowledged the NBA's interest in Nashville, hinting that the Grizzlies might play "a few games" there to enhance their identity as "Tennessee's team." Silver emphasized: Players enjoy playing in Memphis, dismissing claims about player dissatisfaction with the city. Robert Pera, owner of the Grizzlies, has no intention of moving the team out of Memphis. Nashville is a "city on the rise" with significant developments underway. Despite affirming Memphis’ status as a viable market, Silver's comments about Nashville may create unease among Grizzlies fans. The precedent exists, as the San Antonio Spurs have played games in nearby Austin to engage that market. While the Grizzlies' immediate future in Memphis appears secure, the potential for regular-season games in Nashville could be a strategy to satisfy both the league's ambitions and local fans. The situation warrants close observation as the NBA navigates its relationship with both cities.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-22