NBA games cut to 40 minutes? Silver is considering it
Eight fewer minutes per NBA game. Silver likes the idea, but it could have significant consequences
What if NBA games lasted just 40 minutes? It isn’t an official proposal, at least for now, but it’s an idea Adam Silver reportedly favors—and one that could change one of the league’s most deeply rooted traditions.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reignited the debate during a discussion with Rachel Nichols, explaining that the NBA commissioner supports the possibility of switching from four 12-minute quarters to four 10-minute periods, matching FIBA competitions.
From what I’ve heard, Adam Silver likes the idea of 40-minute games. He has a very international view of basketball, but financially, I don’t see how it could work
Chris Mannix
This isn’t the first time the idea has come up. In January 2025, appearing on The Dan Patrick Show, Silver openly expressed his preference for that format.
As basketball becomes more global, the NBA is the only league playing 48-minute games. Personally, I’m in favor of four 10-minute quarters
Adam Silver
The goal would be to make games shorter and better suited to television viewers’ habits, bringing the total broadcast closer to two hours rather than the NBA’s current average of approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes.
Fewer minutes, fewer injuries?
The discussion has resurfaced as injuries are creating significant problems for NBA teams. From Anthony Edwards and Jalen Williams to Kawhi Leonard and Ja Morant, several key players have already dealt with physical setbacks early this season.
Shortening games might seem like a straightforward way to reduce players’ workloads, but not everyone believes it would actually work.
According to Mannix, stars would probably continue playing roughly the same minutes they do now. The reduction would primarily affect bench players, whose opportunities would shrink further.
I don’t think it would change the stars’ minutes. We’d simply end up squeezing bench players more and more, to the point where teams might wonder why they need 15 players on the roster when 10 would be enough
Chris Mannix
Others, however, see potential benefits. LeBron James, for example, has already voiced support for 40-minute games, believing a shorter format could increase intensity and make every possession more important.
NBA fans aren’t thrilled
The possibility of changing game length has drawn plenty of criticism on social media, where many fans greeted the news with little enthusiasm.
No! This would literally ruin basketball… it would change basketball history and how we compare statistics across generations
NBA fan
That is one of the most sensitive issues. The NBA has always played 48-minute games, and switching to 40 would inevitably change the significance of the numbers, from individual records to scoring averages, making comparisons with the past more difficult.
Then there’s the financial side. Eight fewer minutes per game would also mean less advertising inventory and potentially lower revenue for the league and its franchises.
For now, however, there is no official decision or scheduled rule change. Mannix’s comments have simply brought renewed attention to an idea Silver had already expressed support for.