Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: NBA, Basketball
Ryan Baldi
The NBA has never been more popular in Europe. And according to a new report, the US basketball league is planning to expand into Europe.
Just last month, the NBA staged two regular-season games in Paris, with the San Antonio Spurs and the Indiana Pacers facing off in back-to-back fixtures.
The Paris showpiece featured 7ft 4ins French sensation Victor Wembanyama as the star attraction, with the 21-year-old having taken the NBA by storm since entering the league as the top pick in the 2023 draft.
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And Wembanyama isn't the only European star shining in US basketball's premier competitions.
The Serbian reigning two-time MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is arguably the best player in the world right now, while Greek power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has won two MVPs and a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks and Slovenian point guard Luka Doncic was the subject of blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers this month.
And now, according to BasketballNews.com, NBA commissioner Adam Silver is planning to capitalise on basketball's popularity on this side of the Atlantic with the launch an NBA league in Europe.
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The report claims former San Antonio star Tony Parker, who owns French club LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, will be key to the planned expansion, while 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," the report says.
"BasketNews sources indicate that the NBA's main target is the European football powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), aiming to revive its basketball team.
"The NBA also wants to introduce a franchise in England, specifically Manchester. Sources suggest Manchester City could be the club the NBA urges to establish a basketball team.
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"Germany is another key target market in the NBA Europe expansion plans, with two spots designated for the league.
"One of those teams is expected to be based in Berlin, but ALBA Berlin is not considered the NBA's preferred option, sources tell BasketNews. Instead, sources indicate that the NBA may push for creating a brand-new basketball team that would play in a newly built arena.
"In total, NBA Europe is considering a 10-team structure, with a heavy emphasis on revenue generation through arenas and media rights.
"BasketNews sources suggest that the league could be fueled by funds from the NBA's upcoming media rights deal, set to take effect in the 2025-26 season. The 11-year agreement is valued at approximately $76 billion, creating a financial backbone for expansion."
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However, Silver's plans may yet face opposition from the NBA's owners, who would have to sign off on 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," said ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst. "Silver implied that a decision about moving forward could come after a planned March owners meeting."