Adam Silver: Ads on NBA uniforms viable and inevitable

NBA commissioner Adam Silver says sponsor logos could appear on jerseys in next five years. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

NBA commissioner Adam Silver gave uniform purists something to fear on Dan Patrick's radio show Wednesday.

When asked if ads becoming part of NBA uniforms would be "viable" and "inevitable," Silver answered "Yes, and yes."

"Maybe it’s because I spent so many years of my two decades here selling the NBA internationally and traveling internationally, but it is so commonplace for soccer clubs around the world and basketball clubs as well outside the United States. In this day and age of non-live programing where people are using their DVR and skipping through commercials it’s just that much more of an opportunity for our sponsors to get that much closer to our game, to be close to our athletes.

“When it comes to advertising on jerseys, it’s inevitable.”

Silver said last month that NBA fans should expect to see sponsor logos on uniforms within the next five years.

Silver also explained that the NBPA's lack of an executive director has hampered his attempts in changing the one-and-done rule. Silver has gone on the record for wanting to raise the NBA's minimum age limit -- and he told Patrick his approach might differ from his predecessor David Stern.

“I think the difference between my approach and David’s is talking about the college game,” Silver said. “We think it would do a lot for the college game as well.

“The issue for us is allowing players coming in at 18 is a step back for us. It puts us back into high school gyms in terms of scouting.”

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Silver said he hopes the NBA can incorporate corporate sponsorship on uniforms in a way that still gives team marks and city names their place.

“Manchester United doesn’t even have their name on the jersey. We’re not looking to go there. What we’ve discussed is a relatively small patch, with a logo, not even their name.”