The main target of this dialogue includes the potential for an expert basketball franchise belonging to the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation (NBA) situated within the metropolitan space of a serious Midwestern metropolis. Such a group would symbolize that metropolis on a nationwide stage inside a extremely in style skilled sports activities league. An analogous idea could be an expert soccer group representing town within the Nationwide Soccer League (NFL).
Establishing a presence within the NBA would offer important financial advantages to town, together with elevated tourism income, job creation, and enhanced civic pleasure. Traditionally, cities with main league sports activities groups have demonstrated elevated financial exercise and a strengthened sense of neighborhood. Furthermore, it might convey a excessive stage {of professional} basketball leisure to the area’s sports activities followers, fostering a deeper connection to the game.
This serves because the backdrop for exploring the varied sides of such an endeavor, together with potential challenges, alternatives, and the general impression on the neighborhood. We’ll now delve into the components that contribute to the feasibility and desirability of bringing top-tier skilled basketball to this city heart.
1. Market Demand
Market demand constitutes an important prerequisite for the institution of an expert basketball franchise in Kansas Metropolis. Inadequate native curiosity and patronage invariably result in monetary instability and eventual group relocation. Evaluation of inhabitants demographics, current sports activities fandom, and company assist are vital indicators. A demonstrable, sizable phase of the inhabitants should exhibit each willingness and talent to buy tickets, merchandise, and associated companies. Equally, native companies should be ready to spend money on sponsorships and promoting. Failure to precisely assess and domesticate market demand poses a major menace to the long-term viability of a Kansas Metropolis NBA franchise. For instance, the unique Kansas Metropolis Kings (now Sacramento Kings) moved resulting from low attendance and monetary struggles regardless of early success, highlighting the chance of misjudging long-term market sustainability.
Quantifiable metrics akin to attendance figures at current sporting occasions, tv viewership of NBA video games, and surveys gauging curiosity in a possible franchise function important knowledge factors. Past uncooked numbers, qualitative components such because the age and earnings distribution of the inhabitants, the presence of main companies prepared to spend money on the group, and the general sports activities tradition of town should be fastidiously thought of. Constructive indicators from all these areas should be current to justify additional funding and useful resource allocation into pursuing a franchise.
In abstract, sturdy market demand represents a non-negotiable basis for a profitable NBA group in Kansas Metropolis. A radical understanding of town’s demographic profile, the aggressive panorama of the native leisure market, and the potential for company partnerships is important. With out a clear demonstration of adequate native curiosity, the prospect of creating an NBA presence stays unlikely and fraught with monetary threat. Addressing this factor proactively mitigates future operational and financial uncertainties.
2. Enviornment Availability
Enviornment availability represents a vital determinant within the feasibility of creating an expert basketball group in Kansas Metropolis. The presence of an acceptable venue, or the practical prospect of setting up one, is prime to attracting an NBA franchise. With out a state-of-the-art facility able to accommodating NBA video games and associated occasions, the chance of securing a group diminishes considerably.
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Current Infrastructure
The present availability of an NBA-ready area inside the metropolis limits. The T-Cell Heart, for instance, hosts concert events and different occasions and has hosted NBA exhibition video games, however additional upgrades or modifications may be vital to completely meet NBA requirements and long-term wants relating to seating capability, luxurious suites, media services, and general fan expertise.
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Development Feasibility
The potential for setting up a brand new area, together with website choice, financing fashions (public vs. non-public), and regulatory hurdles. Constructing a brand new area includes important capital funding and requires a long-term dedication from each private and non-private sectors. Navigating zoning laws and securing neighborhood assist are additionally vital.
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Lease Agreements & Income Streams
Negotiating favorable lease agreements with the sector proprietor (whether or not public or non-public) that permit the group to generate adequate income from ticket gross sales, concessions, and promoting. These agreements should additionally tackle income sharing preparations and the allocation of bills for area upkeep and upgrades.
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Lengthy-Time period Sustainability
Guaranteeing the long-term viability of the sector as a revenue-generating asset, past simply internet hosting NBA video games. The world ought to be designed to accommodate quite a lot of occasions, together with concert events, conventions, and different sporting competitions, to maximise its utilization and monetary return. This diversification is important for sustaining the sector’s financial well being and stopping it from changing into a monetary burden on town or the group.
Addressing the sector availability element necessitates a complete technique that considers current infrastructure, potential development tasks, and the negotiation of favorable lease agreements. A well-planned and financially sustainable area is an indispensable requirement for securing an NBA franchise and guaranteeing its long-term success in Kansas Metropolis. Failure to handle this core side undermines the whole viability of any such proposition.
3. Possession Group
The composition and capabilities of the possession group are paramount to the feasibility and sustainability of an expert basketball group in Kansas Metropolis. The group’s monetary assets, enterprise acumen, and dedication to the neighborhood straight affect the franchise’s competitiveness, stability, and general success.
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Monetary Capability
Satisfactory monetary assets are important to amass the franchise, cowl working bills, and spend money on group infrastructure. Possession should reveal the power to satisfy payroll obligations, spend money on participant growth, and fund advertising initiatives. Examples embody teams which have efficiently managed skilled sports activities groups in different markets, persistently ranked among the many most dear franchises. Inadequate capitalization results in monetary instability and aggressive drawback.
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Administration Experience
Confirmed enterprise acumen and expertise in managing complicated organizations are vital for efficient oversight of the group’s operations. Profitable teams typically embody people with backgrounds in finance, advertising, and sports activities administration. The power to construct a reliable entrance workplace, negotiate contracts, and handle income streams is important for long-term monetary well being. With out efficient management, the group might battle to realize its aggressive and monetary objectives.
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Neighborhood Engagement
A powerful dedication to neighborhood involvement fosters constructive relationships with followers, native companies, and civic leaders. Possession teams that actively assist native charities, youth packages, and neighborhood initiatives construct goodwill and improve the group’s picture. Constructive neighborhood relations contribute to elevated fan assist and company sponsorship, making a extra sustainable enterprise mannequin. Teams with sturdy ties to town usually tend to garner public assist for infrastructure tasks and different initiatives.
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NBA Expertise & Relationships
Prior expertise inside the NBA, or sturdy relationships with league officers, offers worthwhile insights into the league’s operations, laws, and aggressive panorama. Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements, participant personnel choices, and revenue-sharing fashions may give the group a aggressive benefit. Established relationships with different group house owners, coaches, and brokers can facilitate participant acquisitions and different strategic partnerships. Teams with current NBA connections are sometimes higher positioned to navigate the complexities of the league and obtain long-term success.
In conclusion, the attributes of the possession group considerably impression the chance of creating and sustaining a profitable NBA franchise in Kansas Metropolis. Monetary stability, administration experience, neighborhood engagement, and prior NBA expertise are all vital components. A well-capitalized and skilled possession group is best outfitted to navigate the challenges of the skilled sports activities business and construct a group that’s each aggressive and financially sustainable, guaranteeing a useful impression on town. Potential buyers ought to assess these qualities meticulously when evaluating the prospects of bringing skilled basketball to the metropolitan space.
4. Monetary Viability
The long-term sustainability of an expert basketball franchise in Kansas Metropolis hinges critically on its monetary viability. This encapsulates the power of the group to generate adequate income to cowl working bills, service debt, and supply a return on funding. Absence of a sound monetary basis jeopardizes the group’s aggressive standing and its continued presence within the metropolis.
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Income Era
The group should exhibit the capability to generate substantial income by means of a number of avenues, together with ticket gross sales, broadcast rights, sponsorships, merchandise, and area concessions. Evaluating native market demographics, company assist, and the potential for premium seating are important. For instance, securing a profitable regional sports activities community (RSN) deal corresponding to these in different mid-sized markets is significant for steady income streams. Failure to maximise these income sources straight impacts the group’s capacity to compete financially with different NBA franchises.
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Expense Administration
Efficient administration of bills, together with participant salaries, teaching employees compensation, advertising prices, and area working prices, is paramount. Adherence to NBA wage cap laws and the negotiation of favorable vendor contracts are essential for sustaining profitability. Overspending on participant acquisitions or inefficient operational practices can rapidly erode monetary stability. Comparable groups in comparable markets meticulously monitor spending to make sure long-term viability.
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Debt Service Capability
If the acquisition or operation of the group includes debt financing, the group should reveal the power to service this debt with out jeopardizing its monetary well being. This entails sustaining adequate money circulation to satisfy debt compensation obligations whereas concurrently investing in participant growth and infrastructure enhancements. Over-leveraging can create important monetary threat, significantly during times of financial downturn or on-court efficiency decline.
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Possession Dedication
The monetary dedication of the possession group to assist the group by means of potential durations of economic uncertainty is a vital consideration. House owners should possess the assets and willingness to soak up losses, spend money on the group’s long-term future, and supply monetary stability. Situations of homeowners unwilling or unable to maintain losses have traditionally resulted in group relocation or monetary misery, highlighting the significance of devoted monetary backing. This additionally pertains to the willingness to assemble or enhance venues that additional enhance the profitability of the NBA franchise available in the market.
These sides, thought of collectively, underscore the significance of sound monetary planning for an expert basketball franchise in Kansas Metropolis. A complete monetary mannequin that includes practical income projections, disciplined expense administration, and a dedicated possession group is important for guaranteeing the group’s long-term viability and its useful contribution to town’s financial system and sports activities tradition.
5. League Approval
Securing approval from the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation (NBA) represents an indispensable step towards establishing an expert basketball group in Kansas Metropolis. The NBA’s stringent analysis course of ensures that any potential franchise meets particular standards associated to market viability, possession capabilities, and monetary stability. Failure to fulfill these necessities renders the prospect of a group in Kansas Metropolis unattainable.
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Enlargement Vote
Admission of a brand new group, or relocation of an current group, requires a vote by the NBA’s Board of Governors, comprised of the house owners of the prevailing franchises. Securing a positive vote calls for convincing the opposite house owners of the possible group’s long-term viability and its potential contribution to the league’s general success. The house owners scrutinize monetary projections, market evaluation, and possession {qualifications} earlier than casting their votes. A scarcity of consensus among the many house owners will derail the method.
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Market Evaluation
The NBA conducts an intensive evaluation of the Kansas Metropolis market to find out its potential for supporting an expert basketball group. This contains evaluating the native inhabitants demographics, the aggressive panorama of the leisure market, company assist, and the presence of an acceptable area. Knowledge-driven evaluation is used to undertaking ticket gross sales, tv viewership, and merchandise income. The league will take into account components such because the presence of different main sports activities groups, regional demographics, and financial indicators to find out the possible success of a franchise. If the market evaluation suggests inadequate demand or financial viability, league approval will likely be denied.
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Monetary Vetting
The potential possession group undergoes intensive monetary vetting to make sure its capacity to maintain the group financially. The NBA scrutinizes the house owners’ property, liabilities, and enterprise observe report to evaluate their long-term monetary stability. They have to reveal the capability to satisfy payroll obligations, spend money on group infrastructure, and canopy working bills. Situations the place potential house owners lack adequate monetary assets have resulted within the denial of league approval. The league’s stringent monetary necessities are designed to stop groups from changing into financially unstable and probably relocating.
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Compliance with NBA Requirements
The proposed group should adjust to all NBA guidelines and laws, together with these associated to participant contracts, wage cap, income sharing, and area requirements. The league will assess the group’s organizational construction, administration group, and marketing strategy to make sure compliance with these necessities. Any violation of NBA guidelines or laws may end up in fines, sanctions, and even the revocation of the franchise. Adherence to NBA requirements is a non-negotiable requirement for league approval.
These components are intrinsic to the NBA’s approval course of for a group in Kansas Metropolis. The method ensures the brand new group could be a worthwhile and aggressive member. Efficiently navigating these hurdles represents a major achievement and lays the inspiration for a profitable NBA franchise within the area. The shortage of stated approval will make the “kansas metropolis nba group” subject to be unfeasible or unrealistic.
6. Neighborhood Assist
The institution and sustained success of an expert basketball group in Kansas Metropolis are intrinsically linked to neighborhood assist. The extent of engagement, enthusiasm, and funding from native residents, companies, and civic organizations straight impacts the group’s monetary viability, model picture, and general integration into town’s cultural panorama. The presence of demonstrable assist mitigates the chance for potential buyers, attracts company sponsorships, and fosters a constructive environment conducive to attracting each gamers and followers. A scarcity of neighborhood backing presents important obstacles to securing an NBA franchise and sustaining its operations over the long run. For instance, the sturdy neighborhood engagement in cities like Portland and Oklahoma Metropolis is commonly cited as a key issue within the stability and success of their respective NBA groups. Conversely, groups which have struggled to domesticate native assist have typically confronted monetary difficulties and eventual relocation.
Neighborhood assist manifests in a number of methods, together with constant attendance at video games, buy of group merchandise, participation in neighborhood outreach packages, and vocal advocacy for the group. Native companies can reveal their assist by means of sponsorships, partnerships, and integration of the group’s model into their advertising campaigns. Civic organizations and native authorities can present worthwhile assets and help, akin to infrastructure enhancements, advertising assist, and regulatory approvals. A collaborative relationship between the group and the neighborhood fosters a way of shared possession and creates a constructive suggestions loop, the place elevated assist results in improved group efficiency and higher neighborhood engagement. A Kansas Metropolis NBA group would wish intensive assist from the native Kansas Metropolis neighborhood to stay steady and worthwhile for each the NBA franchise and the group itself.
Cultivating neighborhood assist requires a proactive and sustained effort from the group’s administration. This includes partaking with native stakeholders, addressing neighborhood considerations, and investing in packages that profit town. Moreover, the group’s efficiency on the courtroom straight impacts neighborhood sentiment. A aggressive and profitable group generates pleasure and pleasure, which interprets into elevated attendance, merchandise gross sales, and general assist. In conclusion, the connection between a possible NBA group in Kansas Metropolis and the neighborhood is symbiotic. The franchise cannot succeed with out broad-based assist, and that assist relies on constant neighborhood engagement and a aggressive on-court product. Overcoming the challenges of producing assist is a key factor to the group’s long run success and is straight impacted with group success and efficiency.
7. Regional Rivalries
The emergence of intense regional rivalries represents a major issue influencing the potential success and fan engagement surrounding an expert basketball group in Kansas Metropolis. Geographically proximate groups typically develop passionate and aggressive relationships, fostering elevated curiosity and media consideration. The presence of established rivalries or the potential to create new ones warrants cautious consideration within the context of creating a Kansas Metropolis NBA franchise.
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Current Regional Groups
Proximity to current NBA franchises, such because the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and probably the Denver Nuggets, offers a basis for growing pure rivalries. These geographical proximities can create an instantaneous fan base, by selling a “border battle” mentality, driving ticket gross sales, and enhancing tv viewership, in addition to general fan engagement. The Thunder, specifically, presents an instantaneous alternative, resulting from their relative proximity and rising fan base, however might create a scenario the place each organizations are competing for a similar fan bases in an identical market. Conversely, the institution of a Kansas Metropolis group may probably dilute the fan base of those current franchises, creating push again from these NBA markets.
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Historic Sports activities Rivalries
Kansas Metropolis already possesses established sports activities rivalries, significantly in baseball (St. Louis Cardinals) and soccer (numerous AFC West groups). Leveraging these current rivalries, or the passionate fan base that already helps these sports activities, may facilitate the speedy growth of aggressive depth between a Kansas Metropolis NBA group and close by franchises. These rivalries have already got a historical past and inbuilt fan base, and a whole lot of pleasure may end result as Kansas Metropolis appears so as to add one other rivalry group. The Royals-Cardinals rivalry, for example, could possibly be replicated with a close-by NBA group, creating comparable ranges of ardour and depth.
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Advertising and marketing & Promotion Alternatives
Strategic advertising campaigns can amplify regional rivalries to generate elevated curiosity and income. Emphasizing geographical proximity, historic connections, and participant matchups can create compelling storylines and entice a wider viewers. For instance, campaigns that spotlight the variations in enjoying types, group cultures, or fan demographics can intensify the aggressive dynamic. Focused promoting, social media engagement, and neighborhood occasions can additional gas the rivalry. Nevertheless, unfavourable or overly aggressive advertising techniques can alienate followers and create a hostile setting.
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Aggressive Stability Issues
The NBA fastidiously considers the impression of regional rivalries on the general aggressive stability of the league. Whereas intense rivalries can generate pleasure and income, they will additionally create imbalances if one group persistently dominates the opposite. The league strives to make sure that all groups have a good alternative to compete, and it could take steps to mitigate any unfavourable penalties of regional rivalries. This will contain adjusting schedules, modifying guidelines, or implementing different measures to advertise aggressive stability inside the league.
The strategic cultivation of regional rivalries represents a worthwhile instrument for enhancing the viability and fan attraction of a Kansas Metropolis NBA group. By leveraging current rivalries, creating new ones, and using efficient advertising methods, the group can generate elevated curiosity, income, and neighborhood engagement. Nevertheless, cautious consideration should be given to the potential impression on aggressive stability and the general sports activities tradition of the area. A well-managed strategy to regional rivalries can contribute considerably to the long-term success and sustainability of a Kansas Metropolis NBA franchise. All components ought to be considered earlier than an official group is established.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries and misconceptions surrounding the potential institution of a Nationwide Basketball Affiliation (NBA) franchise in Kansas Metropolis.
Query 1: What’s the present standing of efforts to convey an NBA group to Kansas Metropolis?
At the moment, no confirmed plans exist for the instant relocation of an current NBA franchise or the institution of an growth group in Kansas Metropolis. Discussions and feasibility research periodically emerge, however official commitments from the NBA or potential possession teams are absent.
Query 2: Does Kansas Metropolis possess an acceptable area for an NBA group?
The T-Cell Heart is a contemporary venue able to internet hosting NBA video games. Nevertheless, potential renovations or upgrades could also be vital to completely meet the league’s particular necessities for seating capability, luxurious suites, and media services. Lengthy-term lease agreements and revenue-sharing preparations would additionally require cautious negotiation.
Query 3: What are the first obstacles to securing an NBA group for Kansas Metropolis?
Key challenges embody demonstrating adequate market demand, securing a financially steady possession group, acquiring NBA approval, and probably setting up or upgrading an area. Competitors from different cities vying for a group, both by means of relocation or growth, additionally poses a major hurdle.
Query 4: How would an NBA group profit the Kansas Metropolis metropolitan space?
Potential advantages embody elevated tourism income, job creation, enhanced civic pleasure, and elevated nationwide publicity. An NBA group may function a catalyst for financial growth and entice additional funding within the area.
Query 5: What position does neighborhood assist play in attracting an NBA franchise?
Demonstrable neighborhood assist is essential for convincing the NBA and potential house owners of the group’s long-term viability. Robust native curiosity in basketball, company sponsorships, and lively engagement from civic organizations all contribute to a constructive evaluation.
Query 6: What are the monetary implications of proudly owning an NBA group?
Proudly owning an NBA group includes important capital funding, together with the preliminary franchise price, participant salaries, working bills, and area prices. Income technology from ticket gross sales, broadcast rights, sponsorships, and merchandise is important for long-term monetary sustainability. Adherence to NBA wage cap laws can also be vital.
In abstract, the pursuit of an NBA group for Kansas Metropolis presents each important alternatives and appreciable challenges. A complete and well-executed technique is required to handle the varied obstacles and reveal the area’s viability as a profitable NBA market.
The following part will delve into potential methods for overcoming these challenges and enhancing Kansas Metropolis’s prospects of securing an NBA franchise sooner or later.
Methods to Fortify the Case for a Kansas Metropolis NBA Workforce
This part offers focused methods to strengthen the viability and attractiveness of Kansas Metropolis as a possible location for a Nationwide Basketball Affiliation franchise. These suggestions are geared towards addressing recognized weaknesses and capitalizing on current strengths.
Tip 1: Conduct a Complete Market Demand Evaluation: A rigorous and data-driven evaluation of the native market is important. This evaluation ought to embody demographic profiling, shopper spending habits, company sponsorship potential, and media market evaluations. Quantifiable metrics should reveal adequate curiosity to assist an NBA franchise.
Tip 2: Develop a Sturdy Enviornment Plan: A concrete plan for a state-of-the-art area is paramount. This contains securing an acceptable location, growing a financing mannequin (public-private partnerships are sometimes vital), and designing a facility that meets NBA requirements and enhances the fan expertise. This plan ought to be able to be introduced to the NBA board for his or her assessment.
Tip 3: Domesticate Relationships with Key NBA Stakeholders: Establishing relationships with NBA executives, group house owners, and participant brokers can present worthwhile insights into the league’s priorities and decision-making processes. These relationships may facilitate negotiations and improve the probabilities of securing a franchise.
Tip 4: Safe a Financially Sound Possession Group: Figuring out and recruiting a financially steady and skilled possession group is vital. The group ought to possess the assets to amass the franchise, cowl working bills, and spend money on long-term development. Demonstrated enterprise acumen and a dedication to neighborhood engagement are additionally important.
Tip 5: Improve Neighborhood Engagement Initiatives: Implementing neighborhood outreach packages and partnerships with native organizations can foster goodwill and construct assist for a possible NBA group. These initiatives ought to give attention to youth growth, schooling, and charitable causes. Demonstrating a dedication to enhancing the lives of native residents is a persuasive argument for securing a franchise.
Tip 6: Foyer for Legislative Assist: Participating with native and state authorities officers to safe legislative assist for area funding, tax incentives, and different types of help can considerably strengthen the case for a Kansas Metropolis NBA group. A united entrance from authorities and enterprise leaders sends a robust message to the NBA.
Tip 7: Spotlight Regional Benefits: Emphasizing Kansas Citys central location, transportation infrastructure, and rising financial system can differentiate it from different potential NBA markets. Showcasing the area’s cultural sights and high quality of life may entice gamers and followers.
These methods, if carried out successfully, can considerably improve Kansas Metropolis’s prospects of securing an NBA franchise. A coordinated and sustained effort from enterprise leaders, authorities officers, and neighborhood members is important for achievement.
This concludes the dialogue on methods to bolster Kansas Metropolis’s place within the pursuit of an NBA group. The following and concluding portion will summarize the important thing insights of this evaluation.
Kansas Metropolis NBA Workforce
The exploration of a Kansas Metropolis NBA group has encompassed vital parts vital for franchise viability. Market demand, area availability, possession capability, monetary stability, league approval, neighborhood assist, and regional rivalry dynamics have been all examined. Every aspect presents distinct challenges and alternatives that should be addressed comprehensively for a profitable endeavor.
Whereas the prospect {of professional} basketball in Kansas Metropolis holds potential advantages for the area, securing an NBA franchise requires sustained effort and strategic planning. Steady analysis of the important thing parts, adapting to altering market circumstances, and fostering collaboration between civic and enterprise stakeholders are important for reworking aspiration into actuality. Solely by means of rigorous preparation and unwavering dedication can Kansas Metropolis notice the ambition of internet hosting an NBA group.
