NORFOLK, Va. — Longtime NBA referee Tony Brothers says he is seriously considering running for mayor of Norfolk in 2028.
Brothers, who grew up in Norfolk and has officiated in the NBA for more than 30 years, announced his potential bid on Facebook after Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander said he will not seek reelection.
“As we look toward the future, I believe this is a natural moment for new leadership to step forward—leadership focused on building on the progress we’ve made while addressing the challenges that remain,” Brothers wrote.
He thanked Alexander for his leadership and said his own experience as an NBA official has shaped his understanding of leadership, discipline, and fairness—qualities he believes are essential in public service. Brothers also owns a small business in Norfolk and earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Old Dominion University in 2022.
“My roots in Norfolk run deep, and this community has played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today,” he wrote.
Brothers plans to continue officiating through the 2027–2028 NBA season while working to earn the trust and confidence of Norfolk residents before making a final decision on a formal campaign.
Brothers has previously faced criticism during his NBA career. In 2022, he was reportedly sidelined for a game after allegedly referring to Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie with an expletive insult during a contest. The league did not announce a formal suspension, and neither Brothers nor the NBA publicly addressed the incident.
“I care deeply about this city,” Brothers wrote. “I’m committed to listening, learning, and doing the hard work necessary to help move Norfolk forward—together.”
