
Marc Lasry
Co-founder and CEOÂ of Avenue Capital Group, owner of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks basketball team
Do you believe the NBA correctly handled the pandemic? Is there anything you think should’ve been done differently?
I think the NBA did a great job dealing with the pandemic. I think it was hard but they tried to create a safe environment for the players and everyone who worked for the NBA at the time.
How significantly did having to play in the bubble effect the NBA from a business and revenue standpoint?
Playing in the bubble significantly affected the revenue of the NBA. The main reason was that a big chunk of revenue comes from fans coming to the arena. It was hard but the league had no choice. Player and fan safety was paramount.
Do you believe that college athletes should be paid?
I don’t believe college athletes should be paid, however, it’s not my decision.
Do you believe that women in sports deserve equal pay? If yes, what can they do differently to obtain it?
Women absolutely deserve equal pay in sports.
There’s been a lot of focus in the news about mental health issues affecting professional athletes, such as Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles. How significantly does athletes pushing their bodies to the limits day after day affect their mental health? What do teams do to help players?
Mental health is a big issue. Teams dedicate large resources to ensure that players can play from a physical standpoint as well as a mental standpoint.