New York Knicks owner James Dolan is taking a stand for increased financial transparency within the NBA, calling for a resolution to be voted on at the upcoming Board of Governors meetings. In a letter sent to the league office, Dolan highlighted concerns regarding the lack of detailed financial reporting and proposed the adoption of a zero-based budgeting method for all league operations starting from the 2025-26 fiscal year. This approach aims to provide clearer insights into operating costs, headcount, and capital expenditures across the league and its affiliates.

Dolan’s push comes amidst rising operational costs, with the NBA's operating budget reportedly increasing by nearly 8% from the previous year, alongside a significant growth in league office staffing. He and the Knicks have expressed dissatisfaction with the limited scope of budget materials presented during the annual September budget review. The proposed resolution seeks not only to clarify financial details but also to ensure that the league's budget includes comprehensive summaries by department, expense type, and revenue stream.

This initiative is part of Dolan's broader criticism of the league's management over the past two years, including previous disputes over television deals and a recent lawsuit against the Toronto Raptors. As the NBA prepares for the new national media deals set to begin next season, Dolan is advocating for a more transparent and organized financial approach to safeguard the interests of all teams involved. The Knicks have requested that the 2025-26 budget be presented during the league's Las Vegas meetings in July, ensuring it can be ratified by owners before the season starts.