NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Affirms Commitment to Memphis Grizzlies, Open to Nashville Games

On April 22, 2026, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed ongoing speculation about the Memphis Grizzlies’ potential relocation during an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast. Silver explicitly stated that Grizzlies owner Robert Pera has “no interest in moving the team out of Memphis,” directly countering recent comments from NBA stars LeBron James and Draymond Green who suggested the franchise should relocate to Nashville due to concerns about playing conditions in Memphis.

While affirming the Grizzlies’ long-term future in Memphis, Silver expressed openness to increasing the team’s presence in Nashville. He noted that “Nashville is a city on the rise” with “incredible things happening there” and said he would “love for them to play a few games a year in Nashville and sort of be Tennessee’s team” to the extent possible. This approach aims to broaden the Grizzlies’ fan base across Tennessee without compromising their Memphis home.

Silver emphasized Memphis’ enduring strengths as an NBA market, citing its “amazing history and culture” and stating there is “no reason why the Memphis Grizzlies can’t be successful.” He acknowledged player concerns about Memphis but maintained his own conversations with players indicate they enjoy playing there, saying, “I have never heard that issue of players not wanting to be in Memphis.”

The commissioner’s remarks represent his first direct comments on the relocation speculation, though he had previously indicated in February 2026 that no NBA team relocation was under consideration. Silver’s balanced approach seeks to honor Memphis’ legacy while exploring opportunities to grow the Grizzlies’ regional appeal through occasional Nashville games.

Key Takeaways

• Grizzlies owner Robert Pera has explicitly stated he has no interest in relocating the team from Memphis.
• NBA Commissioner Adam Silver supports keeping the Grizzlies in Memphis while suggesting occasional games in Nashville to expand the team’s Tennessee presence.
• Silver dismissed concerns about player dissatisfaction in Memphis, stating he has not heard such complaints from players he speaks with regularly.
• The Grizzlies remain committed to Memphis as their permanent home, with Nashville games viewed as a supplemental opportunity rather than a relocation precursor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Memphis Grizzlies move to Nashville?

No. Both Grizzlies owner Robert Pera and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver have confirmed the team has no plans to relocate from Memphis. Silver stated Pera “has made it clear” he has “no interest in moving the team out of Memphis.”

Why is Adam Silver suggesting Grizzlies games in Nashville?

Silver believes Nashville’s growing sports scene presents an opportunity for the Grizzlies to play a few annual games there to engage fans across Tennessee and strengthen the team’s regional identity, while maintaining Memphis as their home base.

What did LeBron James say about the Grizzlies and Memphis?

LeBron James criticized playing conditions in Memphis during an April 2026 appearance on the “Bob Does Sports” YouTube show, stating he dislikes staying at Memphis hotels and suggesting the Grizzlies should move to Nashville due to its established professional sports presence (NFL Titans, NHL Predators).

How does Adam Silver view Memphis as an NBA market?

Silver describes Memphis as a “great market historically for the NBA” with “amazing history and culture,” expressing confidence in the Grizzlies’ long-term success there despite acknowledging Nashville’s growth.