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Adam Silver sees a future NBA division made up of European teams
TL;DR
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver envisions a future division of European teams in the NBA, driven by the rise of top European players and advancements in air travel. He believes this expansion could enhance the global reach of basketball.
Key points
- Adam Silver envisions a future NBA division with European teams
- Top basketball players are increasingly coming from Europe
- Advancements in air travel could facilitate this expansion
- NBA has been hosting games in European cities like Paris and London
- Plans to start a league in Europe by 2027
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NBA commissioner Adam Silver talked about having a division on a radio show. He said two things are making him think about it: top basketball players are coming from Europe, and new fast planes might be built.
He thinks it would be great if basketball had some NBA teams in Europe. He pointed to flying as the current big problem preventing the expansion.
The NBA has been playing games in Europe like in Paris, London and Berlin. They also want to start a league in Europe by 2027.
Adam Silver keeps talking about planes.
"I read about fast planes that will be available," he said. "That could make flying faster."
He does not think a European NBA division will happen while he is commissioner. He thinks it might happen after he leaves. The NBA is now focusing on its European league. This league will work on its own, not as part of the league. He also did not rule out the possibility of the two leagues merging in the future.
Many top players in the NBA are from Europe, like Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and Alperen Sengun. Silver thinks this is important when considering expanding the league to Europe.
The NBA will decide about adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas by the end of 2026. The idea of a division is a longer-term plan, but Adam Silver is now taking it seriously.
More news:
Q&A
What did Adam Silver say about a future NBA division in Europe?
Adam Silver discussed the possibility of creating an NBA division made up of European teams, citing the influx of top players from Europe and improvements in air travel as key factors.
When does the NBA plan to start a league in Europe?
The NBA aims to establish a league in Europe by 2027.
What challenges does Adam Silver identify for NBA expansion into Europe?
Adam Silver highlighted air travel as a significant challenge that currently hinders the expansion of NBA teams into Europe.
