The National Basketball Association (NBA) has never enjoyed greater popularity in Europe. And a recent report suggests that the United States basketball league is making preparations to expand its operations into Europe.
Two regular-season games were played in Paris by the National Basketball Association (NBA) just a month ago. The San Antonio Spurs and the Indiana Pacers faced off against each other in back-to-back matches.
Victor Wembanyama, a French sensation who stands 7 feet 4 inches tall, was the star attraction at the Paris showpiece. Wembanyama, who is 21 years old, has been a sensation in the NBA ever since he entered the league as the top pick in the 2023 draft when he was selected.
Furthermore, Wembanyama is not the only European star who is shining in the premier competitions of the United States of America.
Nikola Jokic, a Serbian player who is currently the reigning two-time Most Valuable Player for the Denver Nuggets, is widely considered to be the best player in the world at the moment. Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek power forward, has won two MVPs and a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks. Luka Doncic, a Slovenian point guard, was the subject of a blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month.
Furthermore, as reported by BasketballNews.com, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is reportedly planning to capitalize on the popularity of basketball on this side of the Atlantic by establishing an NBA league in Europe.
According to the report, Tony Parker, a former star player for San Antonio, who is the owner of the French club LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, will play a significant role in the expansion that is planned. Additionally, the football mega-powers Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are being targeted to create teams for the proposed league.
“According to BasketNews sources, Parker is expected to introduce the NBA’s proposal to several EuroLeague clubs in February – just before the main EuroLeague teams must decide on their long-term commitments,” according to the newspaper article.
“According to sources within BasketballNews, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is specifically targeting the European football powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in an effort to revitalize its basketball team.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is also interested in establishing a franchise in England, more specifically in Manchester. It has been suggested by various sources that Manchester City could be the club that the National Basketball Association (NBA) encourages to establish a basketball team.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) Europe expansion plans include Germany as one of their key target markets, allotting two spots specifically for the league.
There is a possibility that one of those teams will be based in Berlin; however, according to sources who spoke with BasketNews, the NBA does not consider ALBA Berlin to be the preferred option. According to sources, the National Basketball Association (NBA) may instead advocate for the formation of a brand-new basketball team that would compete in a brand-new arena.
At this time, the National Basketball Association of Europe is contemplating a 10-team structure, with a significant focus on the generation of revenue through arenas and media rights.
The NBA’s upcoming media rights deal, which is scheduled to go into effect during the 2025-26 season, is expected to be a potential source of funding for the league, according to sources cited by Basketball News. The agreement, which is intended to last for eleven years and is valued at approximately $76 billion, will serve as a financial foundation for expansion.
On the other hand, Silver’s plans might still be met with opposition from the owners of the NBA, who would be required to give their approval for the plan.
“Multiple ownership sources told ESPN there are still many questions and uncertainties about the plan that must be addressed before it can be ratified,” according to Brian Windhorst, an ESPN reporter. “Silver implied that a decision about moving forward could come after a planned March owners meeting.”
