Western Conference executives are advocating for the elimination of conferences and the implementation of a top-16 playoff format when the league expands to 32 teams. This proposal aims to address the long-standing imbalance between the Eastern and Western Conferences and ensure that the best teams, regardless of geography, compete in the postseason.
The idea has gained traction as the NBA plans to add two new expansion teams, with Las Vegas and Seattle being the leading candidates. This expansion would create a regional imbalance, with the Western Conference potentially having 17 teams compared to 15 in the Eastern Conference. To rectify this, one Western team would need to move to the East, with the Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlis being a likely candidate.
Western Conference executives argue that eliminating conferences would create a fairer and more competitive playoff system. The current system often sees stronger Western teams miss the playoffs while weaker Eastern teams advance, leading to less competitive postseason matchups.
Western Conference executives believe the NBA could eliminate conferences and have the top 16 teams make the playoffs when the league expands to 32 teams, per @WindhorstESPN
“Instead of dealing with that thorny competition, West executives told ESPN they believe both issues can… pic.twitter.com/Oe9yVyaRXd
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 22, 2024
However, there are concerns about the logistical challenges of such a change. Seeding teams 1-16 would complicate playoff scheduling and increase travel demands for teams, potentially leading to more cross-country flights between games. Additionally, the current conference structure allows for a more manageable game schedule and time zone considerations.
Despite these challenges, the proposal has sparked a debate among NBA stakeholders about the best way to ensure competitive balance and maintain fan interest. As the league continues to grow, the possibility of a top-16 playoff format may become a reality, fundamentally changing how the NBA operates.
