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The NBA is preparing to significantly expand its operations into Europe through a potential partnership with FIBA, the international basketball federation. Discussions are underway to launch a new professional basketball league, a project both organizations have considered for several years. This initiative marks a major move to broaden the NBA’s global footprint and tap into the European market.
NBA and FIBA Consider New European Basketball League
While specific details are still under discussion, the initial concept involves a 16-team league. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis officially announced this significant step forward on Thursday, acknowledging the culmination of a lengthy deliberation process.
League Format and Rules Under Discussion
According to Silver, the new European league is likely to adopt FIBA regulations, which include 40-minute games, differing from the NBA’s 48-minute format. Further specifics, such as the participating teams and their host cities, are expected to be decided in the upcoming months.
Strong Support from NBA Owners and FIBA’s Long-Term Vision
“We believe now is the opportune moment to proceed to the next stage,” Silver stated, highlighting the “strong support” from NBA owners for this European expansion. The NBA and FIBA, as the global governing body for basketball, have been in discussions for some time about various options, including establishing an annual European tournament or a full NBA-operated league. This topic was previously discussed at a Board of Governors meeting last September, with Zagklis in attendance.
Zagklis added, “Following the most successful World Cup and Olympic Games to date, we also believe this is the appropriate time to take the next step for club basketball.”
Optimal Timing for European Basketball Expansion
In January, during meetings with European stakeholders in France, Silver expressed confidence that the NBA was “on track” to increase its presence in Europe. He also indicated that further briefings for the league’s governors were planned for the March meeting.
“The market response has been very encouraging,” Silver noted.
Zagklis confirmed the unanimous agreement among FIBA leadership regarding the timeliness of partnering with the NBA for a new league.
FIBA’s Role in Unifying Global Basketball
“Our function as a federation is to unify the basketball ecosystem,” Zagklis explained.
Integration with Existing European Basketball Structure
The integration of this new competition within the existing European basketball framework remains to be clarified. Europe currently boasts numerous thriving and well-supported leagues across the continent. The structure and relationship of the new league with these existing entities will be a key aspect of future discussions.
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