NBA Finals: OKC Mayor Challenges Small-Market Label for Thunder-Pacers Series
The NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers have sparked discussions about the significance of market size in professional sports. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt has taken exception to the characterization of his city as a small market, arguing that Oklahoma City is larger than most American cities.
“There are 19,500 cities, towns, and villages in America, and we’re bigger than all but 19 of them,” Holt stated. “Ninety percent of Americans live in a smaller place than Oklahoma City. We’re the big city to most Americans.”
Holt’s comments reflect a broader debate about the relevance of market size in the NBA. While Oklahoma City and Indianapolis are considered small markets in terms of professional sports and TV viewership, the NBA has long aimed to create a competitive environment for all teams, regardless of market size.
Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted the league’s efforts to level the playing field, noting that the current Finals showcase the success of these initiatives. “We set out to create a system that allowed for more competition around the league with the goal being to have 30 teams all in the position — if well managed — to compete for championships. And that’s what we’re seeing here.”
For basketball fans, the Thunder and Pacers represent the fruits of these efforts, offering an exciting matchup and a chance for both cities to demonstrate their capabilities on the national stage.