The subject of this book is the National Basketball Association (NBA), which, for various reasons, has evolved into one of the most competitive, prominent, and successful organizations in the history of American team sports. Since the league formed during the late 1940s and then developed, matured and prospered, its officials and groups of franchises and their owners, coaches, and players have each shared, in part, the revenues and profits generated from spectators who attended games of these teams; from corporate advertisers, partners, and sponsors who provided fees, royalties, and other types of payments to the league and franchises; and from companies who broadcasted the NBA’s events, programs, and shows.
