On a late Saturday night, Diego, a cab driver operating with Uber, commenced a journey that began behind an overflowing arena which was just concluding an NBA basketball match. The locale of his pickup was on the outskirts of a city, notorious for being one of the most densely populated and traffic laden areas in the world. He embarked on the trip, driving through obscure alleys, overcoming hurdles like oversized potholes and sections of road so challenging that he was often required to drive in reverse to navigate. His destination was the sophisticated Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City, where the Miami Heat and Washington Wizards teams were booked for the night. The six-mile transit took a grueling 46 minutes to complete.
If the NBA ever considers introducing a team to Mexico City, as some speculate, it would be largely attributed to the immense potential of the market there, which includes a vast audience for basketball. However, the usual traffic congestion after an NBA game could amplify exponentially with 41 more similar events in the city, leading to questions about the feasibility of a league expansion into Mexico. The league would have to deliberate on many factors while evaluating the possibility of an expansion in Mexico City, as this is not a task free of hurdles.
Undoubtedly, traffic is a particularly pivotal issue, but it’s far from the only obstacle possibly standing in the way of a successful expansion. Overpopulation, the complex topography that could prove challenging for constructing a new arena, and the socioeconomic structure of the world’s fifth largest city are some other issues that need consideration. Projections suggest that it’s more likely for cities within the U.S., such as Las Vegas and Seattle, to get an NBA expansion team before Mexico City. Although, it is also recognized that venturing into Mexico City could be incredibly beneficial due to the sheer size of the receptive market.
Mexico City’s relationship with the NBA started when the city hosted its first exhibition game in 1992. Since then, the city has been host to 32 more regular-season or exhibition NBA games. Moving to 2022, a team named the Mexico City Capitanes started their journey in the G League, initially playing home games in Mexico. This team was just founded a year earlier, in 2021, beginning its first season playing home games in the U.S. The games are held in a $300 million arena that was inaugurated in 2012.
Mexico City, with its estimated population of around 22 million, is the largest city in North America. Taking into account the total Mexican population of about 130 million, the NBA estimates that there are approximately 32 million NBA fans in the country, including around 13 million young fans between the ages of 14 and 30.
Traffic congestion is a prominent issue in Mexico City. Studies by anthropologists like Lachlan Summers reveal that locals squander an average of about 6.5 days annually stuck in traffic. Comparatively, in a city like Los Angeles known for its infamous traffic, residents lose around 3.5 days annually in traffic. The complexity of the traffic problem in relation to the NBA’s permanent establishment in Mexico City is nuanced and extends beyond the straightforward issue of high vehicle volumes.
To begin with, securing the highly-paid basketball players who would be living in Mexico City for at least half a year presents a challenge. Safety and security are paramount concerns for such residents. But there’s also the harsh reality that Mexico City, for the most part, has a lower socioeconomic status than major American cities. The typical monthly income for a resident can range between $660 and $720.
These economic factors could potentially form additional barriers, making it more difficult for even the wealthier Mexico City residents to consistently attend the 41 home games. This is a sensitive issue since NBA tickets do not come cheap. While traffic and distance may be an issue for wealthier residents living remotely, pricing could be an impediment for those who live closer to the arena. The average NBA ticket is priced at around $94, not counting additional game-day expenses such as parking, food and merchandise.
The transport cost to the game could also pose a substantial burden on fans. For instance, a two-hour Uber ride in Mexico City could cost as much as a full day’s wage for an average city dweller. Therefore, even if fans have the desire and dedication to support a local team actively, the financial investment may be more than many are capable of sustaining.
Despite these challenges, the city has showcased the ability to host games in an NBA-caliber arena, Arena Ciudad de México. The arena boasts ample concourses, large-scale scoreboards, a high-quality sound system, and generously proportioned locker rooms. Additionally, it also serves as a major concert venue for the city, proving its versatility and capability to handle large-scale events.
However, it’s worth noting that Mexico City, with its bustling population, is also situated approximately 7,300 feet above sea level. When it comes to constructing infrastructures like a massive new arena, the city’s size and geographical setting could present obstacles. Undertaking such a project in an already cramped and elevated city make the situation even more challenging.
The feasibility of getting a league expansion to Mexico City is, therefore, veiled with a cloud of uncertainty. However, the potential remains indisputable. The city’s undeniably large fan base and its proven ability to host NBA games make it a tempting location for future expansion.
The road to NBA expansion in Mexico City is undoubtedly paved with numerous complications including traffic woes, security issues, and socioeconomic barriers. But if these challenges can be successfully navigated, the promised land offers vast opportunities. A solution could potentially be reached that satisfies both the business interests of the NBA and the cultural and economic needs of Mexico City’s residents.
In conclusion, while the aspirations of setting up an NBA team in Mexico City are certainly ambitious, they are not completely out of the realm of possibility. Although it might be a tall order requiring extensive planning, resolving many issues, and even reformation of certain infrastructure, the city holds massive potential for success. The sheer size of the market and avid basketball fan base could catalyze the initiation of a welcoming and competitive NBA arena in Mexico City.