It’s an old sea serpent. What if the American National Basketball Association (NBA) set up a league on the Old Continent? Since the San Antonio Spurs visited Paris in January for relocated matches, the idea seems to have gone from rumor to project under study.
The subject was even in the spotlight at the press conference of Adam Silver, the boss (or commissioner) of the NBA after a meeting with the 30 franchise owners in New York.
“This is not a new discussion,” recalled the leader, “but we believe that the time has come to take the next step.”
And Adam Silver sketches the first outlines of the project.
Why is the NBA interested in Europe?
Money is king! Since the 1980s, the NBA has been testing the European market by sending its teams to play exhibition matches against local teams, pre-season matches. In 2011, a new level was reached in terms of expansion, with two regular season matches played in London. From now on, the American league wants to move up an even higher gear in internationalization.
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After the creation, in 2019, of a league in Africa – the BAL –, the NBA wishes to establish itself permanently in Europe to continue to develop its brand, which has enormous marketing potential.
“Basketball is the second most popular sport in Europe. It has hundreds of millions of fans. But I think there is a huge gap between that interest and the professional development that we see here in North America,” says Adam Silver.
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What format?
For now, the NBA is considering a semi-open league format with 12 permanent franchises and 4 rotating members.
“The advantage of creating a league from scratch is that you can take the best of both worlds,” explains Adam Silver. Understand the stability of franchises for investors, typically American, and sporting merit with promotions and relegations in matters, which is more common on the Old Continent.
“But this could change” as the preparation work progresses, warned the commissioner. “We want sustainability (within the league) for certain clubs, because (…) this constitutes an incentive to build new rooms, build a brand.”
What rules?
Adam Silver announced that he wanted to “respect the tradition of European basketball”. Out of the question, therefore, of forcing the teams to follow the NBA rules (48 minutes with 4 quarters of 12 minutes and a three-point line located at 7.23 m), it is the rules of the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) which will apply: 40-minute match, four quarters of 10 minutes and a three-point line at 6.75 m.
Which teams for NBA Europe?
According to Serbian media Meridian Sport, the NBA would like to establish itself in 11 target cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Munich, Berlin, London, Manchester, Milan, Rome, Istanbul, Athens and Paris.
PSG, Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe have been surveyed by the NBA to join the future league, according to several media. “QSI has been approached regarding a basketball franchise in Paris, in which we have expressed an interest,” a PSG spokesperson told AFP.
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However, the absence of cities from the former Yugoslavia or the Baltic countries raises questions, as these countries have significant pools of players and a real tradition of the orange ball.
What entry price for franchises?
According to the specialist site Sportico, the entry ticket for the creation of a franchise could be set at at least $500 million. The new franchises would each be 50% controlled by the NBA and half by other investors.
What about the Euroleague?
This league could constitute a dangerous competitor for the Euroleague, today considered the second best championship in the world.
“Our role as an international federation is to unify the basketball ecosystem as much as possible,” declared Andreas Zagklis, Secretary General of Fiba, present at the press conference, in response to a question on the Euroleague. “We have tried to do it in the past, we continue and we will continue.”
Fiba and Euroleague have a difficult relationship, one representing all federations and clubs while the second is more focused on the interests of the European elite.
“I don’t think it’s a declaration of war,” replied Paulius Motiejunas, boss of the Euroleague, in the daily L’Équipe, believing that a unitary solution is the only way.” We know this territory perfectly, we have the best fanbase, the best teams, the most established culture. We are strong, growing every year and confident in our product.”
What support in France?
Tony Parker is one of the project’s most fervent supporters in France. Hall of Famer with four NBA titles, but also president of ASVEL and shareholder of the Euroleague, he has one foot in both worlds. He also takes part in discussions to take stock between the different entities.
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“There must be no mistake: either we find an agreement, or the NBA will come alone. We must imagine a merger or a partnership. We know the power of the brand,” he declared in an interview with L’Équipe.
The iconic George Eddy, a leading basketball journalist in France, also sees the project favorably. He thinks the arrival of the NBA is inevitable but thinks that the different basketball authorities will be able to work together in harmony on a win-win strategy.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be an invasion in Europe or a sharing of good practices with other authorities, but whatever happens, they will come. As they say: ‘Business is business'”, he explains in the newspaper Ouest-France. “The Euroleague is a very interesting championship with good teams, but it is not at all profitable. Conversely, the NBA has an incredibly profitable project. It would be good for everyone to contribute their know-how while drawing on the qualities of their neighbor.”
When will the launch take place?
Adam Silver remained vague: “The idea of holding this conference was above all to announce our intention for the European market. It is still very early to discuss a date. It will not be in 2026,” he announced.
The League commissioner believes that the time is for discussions and preparation. Once the project is ready, it will be up to thirty franchise owners, for a vote which should be by simple majority.
