Ewing, 62, steps into the role following Adam Silver’s decade-long tenure, which saw unprecedented global growth, innovative media deals, and the introduction of the In-Season Tournament. Silver announced his departure last month, citing a desire to focus on philanthropy and global basketball initiatives. After a swift but thorough search, the NBA Board of Governors unanimously selected Ewing, a figure synonymous with the league’s gritty, golden era of the 1990s.
“Patrick Ewing embodies the spirit of the NBA—resilience, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the game,” said NBA Board of Governors Chairman and Toronto Raptors owner Larry Tanenbaum. “His leadership as a player, mentor, and global ambassador for basketball makes him uniquely qualified to guide the NBA into its next chapter.”
Ewing’s appointment is a homecoming of sorts. Drafted first overall by the Knicks in 1985, he became the cornerstone of a franchise that defined an era, leading New York to two NBA Finals (1994 and 1999) and amassing 23,665 points, still a Knicks record. A Georgetown legend and 11-time All-Star, Ewing’s post-playing career included coaching his alma mater from 2017 to 2023 and serving as a key advisor to USA Basketball, contributing to their 2020 and 2024 Olympic gold medals.
“I’m honored and humbled to take on this responsibility,” Ewing said in a press conference at NBA headquarters in New York. “This game gave me everything—my purpose, my family, my legacy. As Commissioner, my mission is to grow the game globally, empower our players, and ensure the NBA remains a beacon of competition and unity.”
Ewing inherits a league at a crossroads. With viewership soaring—2024-25 regular-season games averaged 18.7 million viewers, up 12% from the prior year—the NBA faces challenges like player load management, officiating controversies, and expanding its footprint in markets like Africa and India. Sources close to the league suggest Ewing’s priorities will include enhancing player-fan engagement, streamlining instant replay, and exploring a potential 32nd franchise in Las Vegas or Seattle.
Fans and players alike erupted with excitement on social media. “Patrick Ewing running the NBA? That’s a SLAM DUNK choice!” posted Knicks star Jalen Brunson on X, alongside a throwback photo of Ewing’s iconic dunk over Alonzo Mourning. LeBron James, entering his 23rd season, tweeted, “Big respect to the Big Man. Let’s keep building this game we love.”
Not all reactions were celebratory. Some analysts questioned Ewing’s lack of front-office experience, with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith noting, “Ewing’s a legend, but running a multi-billion-dollar league ain’t the same as coaching Georgetown. He’s got big shoes to fill.” Others, however, see his outsider perspective as a strength, with former teammate Charles Oakley texting reporters, “Pat’s got heart and brains. He’ll shake things up the right way.”
Ewing’s first major task will be overseeing the 2025-26 season, which tips off October 21. He’s expected to address the annual owners’ meeting next week, where discussions on competitive balance and a potential midseason trade freeze are on the agenda. His deep ties to New York also fuel speculation that he’ll push for a stronger NBA presence in the city, including a possible All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden in 2027.
As the NBA enters the Ewing era, one thing is certain: the 7-foot titan who once dominated the paint is now poised to shape the future of basketball itself. For a league built on larger-than-life figures, Patrick Ewing’s rise to Commissioner feels like destiny.
