A New NBA Franchise in Europe?

The NBA is planning a new expansion, with Seattle and Las Vegas (LeBron James among the interested parties) as the main contenders and Mexico City and Vancouver as potential surprises.

It is not surprising to see cities outside the United States on this list, given the NBA’s growing interest in exporting American basketball, as evidenced by the annual Paris Game inaugurated in 2023.

In a recent interview, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared insights into the league’s growing interest in expanding its global basketball presence, with a particular focus on Europe.

I think there is interest among our team owners for further investment in global basketball. We have a significant initiative in China. We have a significant initiative in Africa. Given the quality of basketball here in Europe, it would seem logical that we should do something here as well

Adam Silver

Silver highlighted the NBA’s significant initiatives in China and Africa, recognizing the potential for similar developments in Europe, given the high quality of basketball on the continent.

Could a future expansion of the league into Europe be possible? Commissioner Adam Silver stated:

We want to make sure we have a real understanding of the opportunity. We will take the necessary time before deciding to move forward with any initiative. When we first played a preseason game in France, there were no French players in the NBA. Now we have 14, including the last two number one draft picks

Adam Silver

For now, it seems to be just a suggestion, but it could become a reality in the future. It will require more than just an agreement between the NBA and FIBA for this to happen, but the intentions seem to be there.

We certainly haven’t made any definitive decisions, but I continue to believe that there is a huge opportunity. It won’t be something that transforms the league’s structure in the short term, but I think there is an intention among our franchise owners to further invest in international basketball

Adam Silver

Such a prospect would undoubtedly open the doors to a more cosmopolitan basketball and revolutionize every professional league as we know it today.

My sense is that many investors are losing significant amounts of money every year…. most things that continue to lose money without a trajectory toward profitability eventually don’t survive. And so, whatever initiative we undertake here, I think it’s crucial that it adds value to the European basketball structure

Adam Silver

Are we perhaps on the brink of a new era, with an increasingly globalized game? As the NBA explores the possibilities of expanding into Europe, it remains clear that any steps forward will be taken with caution and respect for the existing infrastructure.

The potential creation of a new NBA league in Europe could mark a significant turning point, extending the global reach of the sport and bringing new opportunities and challenges. The coming months and years will be decisive in determining the impact of these international ambitions, and the basketball world will follow with great interest the evolution of this possible new era.