Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, spoke about the possible expansion of the NBA to Europe and acknowledged that the creation of an independent league is the most likely scenario.
“We’re talking about a competition, probably an independent league separate from the NBA. It would be a European league. We’re still exploring what form it will take. We’re talking to various groups to understand what opportunities exist,” Adam Silver said in an interview with ‘Le Figaro’.
Adam Silver: “It’s possible that we will have NBA franchises in Europe, but it’s not our priority”
What Adam Silver ruled out is the option, in the short term, of NBA franchises competing in a European division: “It’s possible that we might eventually have NBA franchises here, but it’s not our priority right now.”
We want to respect the traditions of European sports, no matter what direction we take
Adam Silver
“That’s not something we’re discussing right now. We would need supersonic planes for it to work,” said the commissioner.
The NBA aims for a “partnership with FIBA” to create an independent league in Europe… what about the EuroLeague?
Silver drew up a scenario in which in the future, in “association with FIBA”, an independent league is created in Europe similar to the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
We are slowly moving forward to make sure that everything we do is accepted by the existing basketball ecosystem
Adam Silver
“We can help grow basketball in Europe, which already has a lot of interest. Like in Africa, this could take the form of an independent league, possibly in partnership with existing leagues such as FIBA,” he explained.
Adam Silver clarified that “we’re moving slowly to make sure that whatever we do is accepted by the existing basketball ecosystem,” while acknowledging that “we’ve had direct conversations with stakeholders this week.”
“We want to respect the traditions of European sports, no matter what direction we take,” he said.
Jorge Garbajosa: “It is an honor that the NBA is considering coming to Europe with FIBA”
Jorge Garbajosa, president of FIBA Europe and former president of the Spanish Basketball Federation, explained that “it is a pride that the NBA is considering its arrival in Europe with FIBA”.
“It is a source of pride that the NBA is considering doing something in Europe and hand in hand with FIBA because of the close relationship that has existed for many years and because FIBA has greatly improved its reputation when it comes to holding tournaments,” Garbajosa said. “The Champions League is a great example. We have always tried to have an open three-way table between FIBA, Euroleague and the NBA. We are waiting for the NBA to present us with something. What we are looking for is stability and the squaring of the circle that allows the fan to recognize what they are seeing and that the player can do the two things he likes most: to represent his club and his country.”