Silver: Trump wanted to 'hear from all' commissioners

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NBA commissioner Adam Silver shed light on U.S. President Donald Trump's recent conference call with North America's top sports executives during a virtual interview with TNT's Ernie Johnson on Monday.

Silver said the call lasted approximately 45 minutes and was "old-school" with no video involved.

"(Trump) made some introductory remarks, just in terms of the fact that he is a passionate sports fan and the fact that he missed seeing live sports on television," Silver said. "He mentioned he'd been watching some classic telecasts of games in all sports. And then he went on to say, 'I'd love to hear from all of you.'"

The commissioners of the various leagues took turns speaking and came out unified in their hopes and goals, according to Silver, who reiterated that he and his peers are eager to help restart the U.S. economy.

"I think beyond the virtue of crowning a champion, what would the symbolism be of major-league sports starting back up in this country?" Silver said. "I think that's what President Trump wanted to talk to us about on that call on Saturday.

"I mean, it wasn't just a pep talk, but I think it was a reminder of what the meaning is of sports to Americans, to our culture in particular."

The NBA became the first U.S.-based professional sports league to suspend play after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus on March 11.