Adam Silver and the NBA see an opportunity — and a lot of dollar signs — to start their own league in Europe.
In Paris for a few games between Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs and the Pacers, NBA Commissioner Silver once again confirmed that the league is considering expanding its footprint on the European continent.
“We are looking very closely to see if there is an opportunity to professionalize the game to another level here, to create a bigger commercial opportunity,” Silver said at a news conference in Paris. “And not just because the business opportunity suggests that you can generate revenue, but because we believe that with markets, if you can create the right incentives, you can get significant incremental investment. And ultimately, that’s is the way to develop the game at all levels.”
It’s unclear what form this league ultimately takes, but it would be independent of the NBA (not a European division of the league). This could involve existing powerhouse teams – such as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona – as well as the creation of new teams, perhaps led by powerful football clubs looking to expand their footprints. NBA has contacted clubs with rumors swirling about Manchester and Berlin teams, reports Athletics’ Mike Vorkunov,
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis confirmed last month that FIBA and NBA were discussing a joint league, which could cut the legs under the existing Euroleague. The Euroleague works in a similar way to how the Champions League (and Europa League) works for 13 other football clubs to play their way into the tournament. These 13 permanent members run the Euroleague itself under a license, which was recently extended. The NBA may be able to poach some of these teams to help jumpstart this new venture.
“What we do in the NBA is we run leagues. We, of course, run the WNBA, we have the [Basketball Africa League]we have the Gague G and we have 2K video [game] The league, so we operate five different leagues, and we think that’s an expertise that we have,” Silver said.
Whatever the NBA’s plans are in Europe, it’s more of a long-term vision.
“We don’t have any agreements in place,” Silver said. “We are not ready to make any additional announcements and will continue to learn everything we can and see if there is a path forward.”
If there are enough dollar signs to interest NBA owners, the league will move forward.