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Mark Cuban: Ad hoc posts fit the schedule a little ...

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 8:01 GMT by HoopsHype
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Mark Cuban’s “Fit the Schedule a Little” Comment Sparks Speculation About the NBA Calendar

On a quiet Tuesday, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban slipped a short, cryptic post into the public eye that quickly caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. In a brief tweet that read, “Fit the schedule a little,” the billionaire owner appeared to be nudging the league toward a subtle but significant change in the upcoming NBA season’s calendar. While Cuban’s remark is terse, the implications ripple across the league and the Mavericks’ franchise, stirring speculation about travel logistics, player rest, and the broader balance of power in NBA scheduling.

1. The Origin of the Comment

Mark Cuban, known for his outspoken personality and penchant for making bold statements on Twitter, has long been a vocal stakeholder in the NBA’s inner workings. From publicizing locker‑room dramas to critiquing league policies, Cuban’s social media presence has often served as a conduit for his opinions on the league’s direction. The “Fit the schedule a little” comment was posted early in the morning, accompanied by a minimal graphic that simply highlighted the phrase. No context was given—no references to a specific game or team—leading readers to speculate about the underlying motive.

The post was posted shortly after the NBA released its preseason schedule, a time when teams are already adjusting expectations for the regular season. Many fans had been voicing concerns about back‑to‑back games, uneven travel loads, and the impact of a compressed calendar on player health. Cuban’s brief statement seemed to echo those grievances, suggesting that the league could do a better job of balancing the schedule.

2. Why the Mavericks Might Be Interested

Cuban’s vested interest in a more “player‑friendly” schedule is rooted in his personal experience as an owner. The Mavericks, under his guidance, have cultivated a reputation for being savvy with player wellness and rest periods. In recent years, the franchise has struggled with injuries to key players and a perceived disadvantage caused by a dense stretch of games, especially when traveling between the Midwest and the West Coast.

Several factors point to why Cuban might have felt the need to push for a schedule tweak:

• Travel Efficiency: The Mavericks frequently play series against Western teams, leading to long trips across the country. A slight rearrangement could reduce the time spent in transit, allowing players to rest more efficiently.
• Rest Days: With the NBA’s current model of 5‑to‑7 game stretches, teams can suffer from fatigue. By “fitting the schedule a little,” the Mavericks could secure an extra day off between pivotal series, providing a competitive edge.
• Player Health: Cuban has publicly emphasized the importance of medical staff and player recovery. A minor shift that reduces consecutive travel-heavy nights could help mitigate injuries—a priority for the franchise’s long‑term success.

These points are consistent with the broader discussion happening among NBA teams that have also voiced frustration with the schedule’s rigidity.

3. League Response and the Reality of Schedule Changes

In the days following Cuban’s tweet, the NBA’s media relations office issued a brief statement acknowledging that the league “continually reviews” its scheduling format and is “open to fan and stakeholder feedback.” While the statement did not directly address Cuban’s remark, it indicated a willingness to consider adjustments.

However, the reality of changing an NBA schedule mid‑season is complex. The calendar is heavily influenced by a range of stakeholders:

• Broadcast Partners: Television contracts hinge on specific dates, with prime‑time slots allocated to key matchups. Adjusting the schedule could affect revenue streams for the league and the teams.
• Team Operations: Each franchise has already planned logistics—including travel itineraries, hotel reservations, and staff scheduling—based on the published calendar. A shift would trigger a cascade of logistical adjustments.
• Player Contracts and Rest Requirements: Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulations on rest days and player usage often factor into scheduling decisions.

Given these constraints, a “fit the schedule a little” change is more likely to be a minor tweak—such as swapping a pair of games or adjusting the order of a short series—rather than a wholesale rewrite of the calendar.

4. Fan and Analyst Reaction

The tweet ignited a flurry of speculation across social media platforms. Fans posted their own memes and suggestions, with many highlighting teams that had endured particularly grueling stretches. Some analysts argued that Cuban’s comment represented a broader desire for “schedule fairness” in the league, while others warned that a single owner’s push could backfire by creating perceived bias.

In a comment thread on a popular sports blog, a former NBA executive noted that while the league is “always in a state of flux,” changes to the schedule are rarely made in the off‑season because the ripple effects are too costly. That perspective was echoed by several commentators who pointed out that the NBA’s existing schedule has historically been designed with input from the league, teams, and broadcasters, and that “minor” changes usually come in the form of an expanded preseason or a postponed series due to weather or other disruptions.

5. The Bigger Picture: Owners as Influencers

Mark Cuban is not the first owner to wield influence over the league’s schedule. Historically, team owners have participated in league committees and often lobby for changes that benefit their franchises. However, Cuban’s overt use of social media as a platform to advocate for a schedule shift is relatively novel. It underscores a shift toward a more transparent and public form of advocacy, where owners can speak directly to the fanbase and pressure the league from the sidelines.

This trend raises questions about how the NBA will handle future requests that are championed through public channels. Will the league adopt a more data‑driven approach to scheduling, incorporating real‑time analytics on travel fatigue and injury rates? Or will the traditional, negotiation‑based process remain the norm, with public pressure acting as a catalyst rather than a driver?

6. What to Watch Going Forward

While the league has not yet confirmed any changes, the situation is worth following for a few reasons:

• Potential Schedule Adjustments: The NBA might release a revised schedule early next year, particularly if a significant number of teams push for similar changes.
• Cuban’s Role in Decision‑Making: If the NBA acknowledges Cuban’s suggestion as a genuine concern, it could signal a new partnership model where owners have a more formal voice in scheduling discussions.
• Impact on the Mavericks: A more favorable schedule could have tangible benefits for Dallas, possibly translating into better playoff positioning or reduced injury rates.

Ultimately, Mark Cuban’s brief tweet has opened a broader conversation about the balance of power in NBA scheduling. While the league may be slow to act, the message that “fit the schedule a little” is no longer an afterthought—it's a topic of legitimate concern that could reshape how the NBA orchestrates its calendar in the years to come.