The NBA has grown exponentially since its inception. Now, with its 75th anniversary on the horizon, the league is exploring a few new initiatives, including a mid-season cup, a postseason play-in tournament and a reduction in the 82-game regular season.

According to a report from ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz, a committee of team executives gathered on June 17 to discuss alternative ideas for the traditional 82-game season. Those in attendance explored ways to introduce these new ideas, which would be adopted as a pilot program at first.

Via ESPN:

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In what sources characterize as a wide-ranging brainstorming session with accompanying documents, participants contemplated how the NBA could introduce the aforementioned tournaments, as well as an abbreviated slate of regular-season games, to accommodate the additional events.

According to those with knowledge of the conversation, which sources regard as very exploratory, the proposed reforms would be adopted initially as a pilot program. The NBA would have the chance to observe the trial run and evaluate the long-term viability of such a schedule design.

There are some who support the NBA's new ideas, including the shortening of the regular season. However, they are also willing to acknowledge that it could have drastic revenue implications for local networks that broadcast the events. Others point to the fact that a mid-season cup or postseason tournament would would generate an influx of income.

Whether or not any of these ideas will be put into motion remains to be seen, but it's clear that the NBA is exploring their options.