Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Lakers hire Yao Williams II as Vice President and Head of Global Partnerships

The Los Angeles Lakers recently named Yao Williams II Vice President and Head of Global Partnerships.

Williams will lead the Lakers global partnerships team, including partnership sales, business solutions and partnership activation, driving revenue-generating opportunities and creating innovative programming and platforms to maximize brand value. Williams has a proven track record of securing both domestic and international large-scale deals while leading high-performing sales teams.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have Yao Williams join the Lakers business and lead our global partnership team,” said Los Angeles Lakers President of Business Operations Lon Rosen. “Yao is an engaging leader with an appetite for innovation that will help drive performance and deliver best-in-class experiences for Lakers partners.”

Williams brings two decades of experience in global sales and brand partnerships across the sports and entertainment industries, including time at the National Basketball Association and Manchester City Football Club. Most recently, Williams co-led global partnerships at Elevate Sports Ventures.

Lakers name Elaine Shen as new Chief Financial Officer

The Los Angeles Lakers have named Elaine Shen Chief Financial Officer.

Shen will oversee all financial aspects of the Los Angeles Lakers, shaping strategic growth, driving profitability and creating continued value for the global franchise. In a related move, Joe McCormack will shift to an executive advisory role as Senior Vice President of Finance for the Lakers.

Shen joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 and has held a variety of strategic roles across the organization in both business and basketball operations. Most recently, Shen served as the Lakers Associate Chief Financial Officer.

“Elaine Shen is an exceptional leader and catalyst for success,” said Los Angeles Lakers President of Business Operations Lon Rosen. “She brings an artful and considerate approach to every table, combined with the ability to build consensus and make tough decisions. Elaine is a trusted advisor and the perfect modern CFO to help lead the next stage of transformation for the Los Angeles Lakers.”

Prior to the Lakers, Shen worked at Aon and Wachovia Bank. Shen is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and earned her Master of Business Administration at UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Hawks sign Head Coach Quin Snyder to contract extension

The Atlanta Hawks and Head Coach Quin Snyder have agreed to a multi-year contract extension.

Snyder led the Hawks to a 46-win regular season in 2025-26, a six-win improvement from 2024-25, and the Southeast Division title. It also marked the club’s most wins since the 2015-16 season, while advancing to the Eastern Conference Playoffs for the first time since 2022-23 and the 50th time in franchise history. Atlanta averaged a franchise-best, and league-leading, 30.1 assists per game during the 2025-26 regular season, the ninth-most assists per game in a single season in NBA history.

“Quin has been a phenomenal leader for our team, and extending his contract reflects our commitment to stability and sustained growth as we build toward high-level success,” said Hawks President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh. “Over the past three seasons and amid an evolving roster, we’ve seen clear, measurable progress, which is a testament to the culture he’s established and the leadership he brings every day. He has created an environment where our players are challenged, supported, and empowered to grow, and that focus on player development has elevated our entire program.”

“I am grateful to the Ressler family and humbled to continue leading this team. I love this group of players, love coaching this team and am fortunate to have a tremendous coaching staff. Atlanta has truly been home for my family, and I am excited to continue this journey,” Snyder said. “Tony, Jami and the entire Ressler family are deeply committed to providing us every resource we need for success and the partnership Onsi and I have developed is strong, with the shared focus of bringing Hawks fans the success they deserve.”

Heat extend broadcast deal with WPLG Local 10

The HEAT and WPLG Local 10 today announced a newly expanded media rights agreement, making the South Florida station home of HEAT basketball during the 2026-27 season.

Beginning in October, Local 10 will air all non-nationally televised HEAT games on free, over-the-air television. This agreement allows millions of viewers across South Florida access to HEAT games throughout WPLG’s full broadcast reach. In addition, WPLG will provide Spanish language audio via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

“We’re very excited to be on Local 10 this upcoming season,” said Michael McCullough, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Miami HEAT. “Last season was a great experience not only for the HEAT and Local 10, but the fans as well. The increased viewership proved the strength of this partnership and the benefit of having the local reach of WPLG was unmistakable. We’re looking forward to taking this to the next level this upcoming season and giving HEAT Nation a truly special viewing experience.”

Raptors sign general manager and executive VP Bobby Webster to contract extension

The Toronto Raptors and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment announced Monday that they have agreed to a multi-year extension for general manager and executive vice president Bobby Webster. As per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.

“We’re building something special here, and I’m proud to continue to lead the Toronto Raptors as we work towards our next championship,” Webster said. “Thank you to Keith and the MLSE Board of Directors for their confidence and support. This is a franchise that’s focused on the future, and we’re ready for what’s next.”

“Bobby has an elite understanding of the game and the NBA, and he’s used that to build a team that competes at a high level,” MLSE CEO Keith Pelley said. “It’s been an exciting year for the Raptors. They were a joy to watch compete together, and with Bobby and the Raptors, we’ve seen the results, and we believe in where his leadership will take us.”

The Raptors also announced contract extensions for key front office members: Dan Tolzman, vice-president, player personnel and assistant general manager; Keith Boyarsky, vice-president, basketball strategy and research; and Tyla Flexman, vice-president, operations.

Sixers hire Mike Gansey as President of Basketball Operations

Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris and HBSE President of Sports Bob Myers announced today that the franchise has named Mike Gansey as President of Basketball Operations.

Gansey, 43, joins the 76ers after spending the past 15 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, most recently as the team’s General Manager after being promoted to the position on February 23, 2022. In the five seasons since Gansey’s promotion, Cleveland’s 259 wins rank third across the NBA, while its four playoff appearances are tied for fourth most in the league.

“Today’s announcement of the hiring of Mike Gansey is an important step in our desire to take the Philadelphia 76ers to the next level. Mike has built a reputation as a tremendous leader and relentless worker who has a sharp eye for basketball talent,” said Harris. “We are excited to welcome he and his family to Philadelphia. I look forward to the work he, Bob Myers, and Nick Nurse will do to build a contender for this city and our fans.”

“Mike really stood out during this process as he possesses all of the qualities needed in a leader of basketball operations,” said Myers. “He commands respect, has an impressive basketball IQ, and is well respected across players, coaches, and fellow executives. He has all the attributes necessary to shine in this role.”

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and Bob Myers for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity with such an iconic franchise. This organization, much like the City of Philadelphia, is deeply rooted in its history and passion, and I am extremely excited to get started,” said Gansey.

“To the fans, this is not a responsibility I take lightly. The energy and dedication you pour into the 76ers will fuel us, and the work begins immediately as we position ourselves for the draft, free agency, next season, and beyond. I also want to thank Dan Gilbert and his family, Koby Altman, and the Cavaliers organization for the opportunity to serve the franchise and city of Cleveland for the last 15 years.”

2026 NBA Finals game schedule

June 3: NBA Finals 2026 Game 1 | New York at San Antonio (8:30 ET, ABC)

June 5: NBA Finals 2026 Game 2 | New York at San Antonio (8:30 ET, ABC)

June 8: NBA Finals 2026 Game 3 | San Antonio at New York (8:30 ET, ABC)

June 10: NBA Finals 2026 Game 4 | San Antonio at New York (8:30 ET, ABC)

June 13: NBA Finals 2026 Game 5 | New York at San Antonio (8:30 ET, ABC)*

June 16: NBA Finals 2026 Game 6 | San Antonio at New York (8:30 ET, ABC)*

June 19: NBA Finals 2026 Game 7 | New York at San Antonio (8:30 ET, ABC)*

* = If necessary

Hawks promote Onsi Saleh to president of basketball operations

The Atlanta Hawks announced today that Onsi Saleh has been promoted to president of basketball operations and signed to a long-term contract extension. Saleh originally joined the organization in May 2024 as assistant general manager and was promoted to general manager in April 2025. Saleh was recently named runner-up for the NBA’s Basketball Executive of the Year award, earning 41 total points (one first place vote, 10 second-place votes and six third-place votes).

In his first year as the team’s lead executive, Saleh and his staff led the franchise through a series of moves, establishing a strong foundation of talent while also accumulating future assets and re-positioning the organization for high-level, long-term success.

“Onsi possesses a rare combination of valuable leadership qualities and a clear vision that will position our franchise to compete at a championship level. He is a gifted communicator and talent evaluator, widely respected by his peers within the NBA community,” said Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner Tony Ressler. “He has already demonstrated a level of decisiveness and acumen that has changed the trajectory of our organization, and we are delighted to have him lead our basketball operations for a very long time.”

“I have such tremendous gratitude for the trust and partnership that the Resslers have shown me since my first day in Atlanta. They have provided all the resources necessary for our front office to continue methodically building our program into one of the NBA’s elite. It’s an honor to lead this team, and I take seriously my responsibility to deliver for Hawks fans – I could not be more excited for what is ahead for our franchise,” Saleh said.

Atlanta enters the 2026 NBA Draft with two first-round picks (No. 8 and No. 23), in addition to the No. 57 pick. The Hawks are the only playoff team to secure a top-10 pick in this year’s draft.

Lakers reportedly hire Rohan Ramadas as assistant general manager

Via ESPN.com:

The Los Angeles Lakers made their first significant move of the offseason by hiring Rohan Ramadas as an assistant general manager under president and GM Rob Pelinka, sources told ESPN on Monday.

Ramadas, who last worked as a vice president of strategy and operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, will be focused on similar responsibilities for the Lakers.

“More on the strategy side,” Pelinka said of the job description he was looking to fill during exit interviews with reporters last week. “Cap, analytics and data.”

2026 NBA Finals game schedule

The 2026 NBA Finals will be begin on June 3, televised on ABC.

June 3: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 1 on ABC, 8:30 ET
June 5: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 2 on ABC, 8:30 ET
June 8: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 3 on ABC, 8:30 ET
June 10: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 4 on ABC, 8:30 ET
June 13: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 5 on ABC, 8:30 ET*
June 16: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 6 on ABC, 8:30 ET*
June 19: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 7 on ABC, 8:30 ET*

* = If necessary

The teams will be the Thunder or Spurs from the Western conference, against the Knicks or Cavaliers from the Eastern conference.