How Two Brothers Outsmarted the NBA for Millions

💸The Sillman brothers negotiated a deal with the NBA and ABA that allowed them to receive a share of television broadcast revenues.

🔌By moving their ABA team to a bigger market, the Sillman brothers increased their chances of being included in the NBA merger.

📺As the popularity of the NBA grew, so did the television revenues, resulting in larger payouts for the Sillman brothers.

🔥The NBA eventually bought out the Sillman brothers' contract for an additional $500 million to end the lucrative agreement.

💡The Sillman brothers' deal remains one of the most successful and profitable in the history of professional sports.

How did the Sillman brothers earn over $800 million without owning an NBA team?

—Through a clever negotiation with the NBA and the ABA, the Sillman brothers secured a share of television broadcast revenues and player rights. This allowed them to receive substantial annual payments for as long as the NBA exists.

Why did the Sillman brothers move their ABA team to a bigger market?

—By moving their ABA team to a larger market, the Sillman brothers believed they would become more attractive to the NBA, increasing their chances of owning an NBA team in the future.

How did the Sillman brothers benefit from the growth of the NBA?

—As the popularity and viewership of the NBA increased, so did the television rights fees. This resulted in larger payments for the Sillman brothers, allowing them to earn more each season.

Why did the NBA eventually buy out the Sillman brothers' contract?

—The NBA decided to buy out the Sillman brothers' contract after years of the deal being highly profitable for the brothers. The new NBA leadership wanted to put an end to the agreement and renegotiate a more favorable arrangement.

What is the significance of the Sillman brothers' deal?

—The Sillman brothers' deal is considered one of the greatest in the history of professional sports. It showcases their strategic negotiation skills and their ability to secure a highly profitable agreement without owning an NBA team.

00:14In NBA history, the Sillman brothers found a way to earn millions without owning an NBA team.

01:35The American Basketball Association provided an opportunity for the Sillman brothers to negotiate a unique deal with the NBA.

06:01The Sillman brothers' agreement allowed them to receive a share of television broadcast revenues.

10:40The Sillman brothers' deal remained highly profitable as the popularity of the NBA grew.

11:55The NBA eventually bought out the Sillman brothers' contract for an additional $500 million.