Commissioner David Stern indicated that the NBA could in the future partake in the business of gambling, stating that the league's policy against gambling was "formulated at a time when gambling was far less widespread."

Stern acknowledged that there could be "good and sufficient business reasons" to get involved in gambling and that he is "going to leave the slate clean" on this topic for his successor.

"Gambling, however it may have moved closer to the line [of becoming acceptable], is still viewed on the threat side," Stern said. "Although we understand fully why, buried within that threat there may be a huge opportunity as well."