The brand new European basketball league backed by the NBA may start play as early as 2027, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated Tuesday, based on the Associated Press’ Stephen Whyno and Tim Reynolds.
NBA and FIBA are working collectively to launch NBA Europe.
Talking at a convention hosted by Entrance Workplace Sports activities, Silver known as a 2027 begin “bold, little doubt about it” however didn’t rule out that chance. Current arenas throughout Europe may very well be used when the preliminary launch happens till extra fashionable infrastructure is constructed up.
“I don’t assume I’d need to go for much longer than ’28,” Silver stated. “The chance is now to do one thing like this.”
Silver and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum
met with United Kingdom prime minister Keir Starmer, amongst different authorities officers, together with numerous doable stakeholders this summer time relating to the brand new enterprise. These conferences satisfied Silver that NBA Europe would achieve success.
“I’d say I’m captivated with it,” Silver stated.
Early plans name for the brand new league to have 16 groups, although that quantity may change. Current European golf equipment like Actual Madrid, Fenerbahce Istanbul and Barcelona are more likely to determine into the NBA’s plans for the brand new league, based on AP. London and Manchester, England are anticipated to have franchises, based on Aris Barkas of Eurohoops.net.
“Basketball’s most likely the fastest-growing sport on the earth proper now, and it’s an enormous No. 2 sport in Europe behind soccer, so I believe there’s an actual alternative,” Silver added.
