LONDON — NBA commissioner David Stern says any team tempted to “eavesdrop” on opponents will face sanctions from the league.
But the actions of New York Knicks owner James Dolan in ordering extra microphones to be installed within Madison Square Garden in the wake of Carmelo Anthony’s recent suspension did not break any rules, he confirmed.

Speaking in London ahead of Thursday’s game against the Detroit Pistons, Stern revealed he would like to see more devices available so that fans can listen in to players and referees in a similar fashion to the National Football League.

But acts of espionage are off limits. “If a team does something to eavesdrop on other players, they would be sanctioned because it would be against our rules,” Stern said.

“But there is a difference between eavesdropping such as putting microphones in the locker room or the huddle other than the one that the league does, and putting microphones around the court to pick up the sounds they make.” The league, through its broadcast partners, does nothing but aim microphones at the court, he added.

“We mic players. We mic coaches. And we have mics associated with all the cameras and in some cases bigger mics,” Stern said. “So anything that is said on the court is really subject to being picked up. “So that is why I enjoy watching NFL games. Why do you think you hear the quarterback shouting the instructions? It’s because there are mics designed to pick up everything and enhance the fans experience. I’d like to see the audio track on all the games be a little bit more robust. But if anything, we need more mics around our games rather than fewer.”