The National Basketball Associations expansion plans into the European market are a little closer after a report noted the establishment of NBA Europe will target these eight cities among the ideal 12 the NBA would like to see begin play in Fall 2027: London; Paris; Rome; Berlin; Barcelona; Madrid; Athens; Istanbul. The NBA is working in conjunction with FIBA, the sport's worldwide governing body, to attract potential owners, secure facilities, and allay fears of the European leagues of a full-scale takeover.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has stated that this is not an expansion of the NBA, but a separate league that he hopes will attract the best European and international talent that could be a pathway into the NBA. Silver has stated that he would like two more base cities, but would also like to attract top teams from European leagues into NBA Europe.
My take: A smart but risky strategy. Basketball is well established in Europe, with a passionate fan base. Poaching the best teams from existing leagues is akin to the Super League the top European soccer clubs tried to create, the idea dying in a rage of fan protest. Creating a pipeline to the NBA is wise and attractive to international players, who make a fraction of what NBA players make.
THE ASYLUM
NBA Europe cities named
The National Basketball Associations expansion plans into the European market are a little closer after a report noted the establishment of NBA Europe will target these eight cities among the ideal 12 the NBA would like to see begin play in Fall 2027: London; Paris; Rome; Berlin; Barcelona; Madrid; Athens; Istanbul. The NBA is working in conjunction with FIBA, the sport's worldwide governing body, to attract potential owners, secure facilities, and allay fears of the European leagues of a full-scale takeover.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has stated that this is not an expansion of the NBA, but a separate league that he hopes will attract the best European and international talent that could be a pathway into the NBA. Silver has stated that he would like two more base cities, but would also like to attract top teams from European leagues into NBA Europe.
My take: A smart but risky strategy. Basketball is well established in Europe, with a passionate fan base. Poaching the best teams from existing leagues is akin to the Super League the top European soccer clubs tried to create, the idea dying in a rage of fan protest. Creating a pipeline to the NBA is wise and attractive to international players, who make a fraction of what NBA players make.
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