The NBA has seemingly aimed to go global extending their games all over the world. After a recent report of their resolution with China after five years, the league is reportedly in talks with The International Basketball Federation to create a league for the fans in Europe. While the report of the discussion has been confirmed, so far, the extent of the talk and the final verdicts are under wraps.
The NBA and FIBA are reportedly in a serious discussion to create a league in Europe extending their games beyond the United States. FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis recently shared that the FIBA officials are in “serious conversation” with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and other top executives. Both organizations are in talks about launching a new league that could rival the Euroleague and the premier professional leagues in various countries. Right now, approximately 60 European players make up around 15 percent of the entire NBA roster.
Addressing the discussion at the ear-end news conference Monday, Zagklis said, “There is clear interest (by the NBA) and there are ongoing discussions with FIBA.” He added, “We’ve been having and will continue having discussions with … the company that operates the EuroLeague. It is something that has been on our radar. We tried to bring everyone together. This was not possible. So our job is to continue having serious conversations with our partners at the NBA.”
Zagklis continued, “Basketball in Europe is punching much below its (weight in) commercial potential.”
Silver has previously mentioned that the NBA is exploring the possibility of expanding into Europe. He has also pointed out that the league is looking closely at how top European clubs have built academy-style programs that prepare young players for professional basketball, in contrast to the current AAU system in the U.S.
While Silver is yet to officially announce details of the potential team-up, the possibility of the two leagues joining is high and it has stirred reactions from fans on social media.
One fan wrote, “basketball champions league we here” sharing a GIF of the Champions’ League.
One simply wrote, “Huh?!?!” sharing their surprise.
Another fan shared concern stating that the NBA was the best professional league in the world adding, not only can it compete with the Euroleague, but that even the NBA’s worst team would finish in first place.
One fan hailed the idea.
With a sarcastic tone for the NBA’s potential ambition to go global, another fan wrote that the league may turn the entire world into a court.
Another fan urged the league to improve themselves first.
One fan showed their concern over the college basketball games.
Regardless, the team-up has been the talk of the town. Recently, it was reported that the NBA is set to return to China after a five-year hiatus. Since 2020, the league and NBA China CEO Michael Ma have been focused on rebuilding the relationship. The partnership had fractured on October 4, 2019, when a tweet from then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, sharing images that sparked significant controversy, led to a major fallout in the country.
