NBA Commish Adam Silver says he supports the idea of switching to ‘four, 10-minute quarters’

As the NBA season reaches its halfway point, Commissioner Adam Silver is exploring ways to enhance the league’s appeal and efficiency. One of the latest proposals put forth by Silver is a significant change to the length of quarters during NBA games. Currently, NBA games consist of four 12-minute quarters, but Silver has suggested reducing the duration of each period by two minutes, resulting in ten-minute quarters.

In a recent interview on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Silver explained that the reduction in quarter length could lead to a more consistent viewing experience for basketball fans, particularly those watching games on television. He emphasized the importance of adapting to modern television habits and cited the two-hour format of Olympic basketball and 40-minute games in college basketball as potential models for the NBA.

Silver also highlighted the global nature of basketball and the need for more consistent rules across leagues worldwide. By aligning the NBA with international standards, Silver believes the league can better connect with a global audience and streamline the game for players and fans alike.

One of the key benefits of shorter quarters, according to Silver, is the potential to reduce player fatigue and address the issue of load management. By trimming two minutes off each quarter, players could experience less wear and tear over the course of an 82-game season, effectively providing a form of rest without reducing the total number of games.

While Silver acknowledged that these ideas are still in the discussion phase and far from implementation, he drew parallels to the changes made in other sports, such as Major League Baseball’s introduction of a pitch clock. Silver praised the pitch clock for speeding up the game while preserving its traditional elements, hinting at a similar approach for the NBA.

As the NBA continues to evolve and adapt to the modern sports landscape, Commissioner Adam Silver’s proposals for shorter quarters represent a bold step towards enhancing the league’s competitiveness, entertainment value, and global appeal. While the future of NBA game lengths remains uncertain, Silver’s forward-thinking approach signals a commitment to innovation and progress in professional basketball.