NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s Address on New European League
In a recent address in Oklahoma City, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver updated attendees on the status of ongoing discussions concerning the establishment of a new basketball league in Europe. During his visit for the unveiling of a newly renovated Boys & Girls Club on a rare downtime during the NBA Finals, Silver emphasized that while progress is being made, launching this new league is likely two or more years away.
“It’s a complex process that entails much more than simply drafting a proposal—we’re looking at years rather than weeks or months,”
He highlighted the extensive scope of planning necessary, which encompasses collaboration with various stakeholders, including current leagues, teams, and players, as well as media and marketing partners.
Collaboration with International Basketball Organizations
These talks have evolved following the announcement that the National Basketball Association and FIBA, the sport’s international governing body, intend to collaborate on the initiative. An early target is to establish an initial consortium of 16 teams, an idea that has circulated for decades but is finally gaining traction. Silver noted that his engagement with the EuroLeague and its teams is a crucial part of this dialogue, expressing his hope for a cooperative approach rather than a competitive one between the new league and existing organizations.
Growing Demand for Basketball in Europe
Highlighting the demand for basketball in Europe, Silver stated that roughly 16% of current NBA players are European. Notable stars from the region include Nikola Jokic from Serbia and Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece, both of whom have been named MVP multiple times, alongside other talents like Luka Doncic from Slovenia and Victor Wembanyama from France.
Future Prospects and City Interests
Looking ahead, the NBA’s board of governors is scheduled to convene in Las Vegas come July, where they will further deliberate on the European project. Silver suggested that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could provide a strategic moment for showcasing or even launching this new league, as international basketball will be in the spotlight during the event.
Cities such as London, Munich, Manchester, and Rome are reportedly interested in being part of this potential new league, with organizations approaching the NBA expressing readiness to invest and manage operations for teams in these prominent markets. While discussions have yet to formally commence, the interest is palpable and suggests a promising future for the league’s expansion into Europe.
