NBA expansion sounds like it is coming. While the NBA will likely expand domestically in the coming years, the league also seems intent on starting a new international league.
Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and his office have had serious discussions with FIBA officials about a new league overseas. Vardon added that an NBA-owned European league could initially compete with the EuroLeague and top pro leagues in individual countries.
“There is clear interest (by the NBA), and there are ongoing discussions with FIBA,” Andreas Zagklis, the secretary general for FIBA, said. “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.”
NBA Expansion: What European Countries Should Receive A Franchise If The League Expands Overseas?
While I think the NBA should expand in the US, I like the idea of the Association going to Europe. It seems to work with the NBA playing several exhibitions overseas, and we know how successful the NFL is in Europe. Plus, any new jobs for players and coaches are good.
Yes, Europe has the Euroleague, which may be the second-best league in the world, though the NBA G-League has an argument. But the NBA is considered by far and away the best because it is, and it is not even close. I know the argument that there are a lot of international “stars,” and there are, but there have also been a lot of these global players, more so than have, who have flamed out more than not.
Silver previously said the NBA was considering a European venture. On several occasions, Silver said the league was studying how the top European clubs have developed academy-style training programs for youth players that better prepare them to play professionally than the current AAU system in the U.S.
Silver is expected to be in front of European and American media next month when the NBA holds two games between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers in Paris.
Plus, most of the better players in Europe are Americans, despite most leagues limiting the number of Americans in their domestic leagues. The more pressing question is where the franchises should be located.
Additionally, Vardon said that the 13 stakeholders of the Euroleague licences expire after 2025-2026.
“In June, the shareholder teams reportedly agreed to extend their licenses, but those clubs have yet to sign the agreements,” Vardon added. “Speculation remains in European circles that at least some of those permanent member teams, like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, are considering allowing their licenses with the Euroleague to expire. Another top European club, ALBA Berlin, would reportedly be excluded from becoming a permanent EuroLeague member if the current licensing agreements are extended. All four of those clubs have academy systems for developing players that are being studied by the NBA.”
Where Should The NBA Expand In Europe
It will be interesting to see how many teams the NBA adds in its inaugural season if it does indeed expand to Europe. I think the NBA wants at least 16 teams, but it probably prefers 20-24 teams to begin with.
Here is a look at 17 potential cities where the NBA could establish a franchise. Some cities, like Madrid, London, Athens, and Paris, could possibly have two franchises.
European Cities That Could Get NBA Franchise
Spain
Madrid:
Barcelona:
Germany
Berlin
Munich
Turkey
Istanbul
Ankara
Greece
Athens
Thessaloniki
Serbia
Belgrade
Italy
Bologna
Venice
Lithuania
Kaunus
France
Paris
Lyon
England
London
Slovenia
Ljubljana
Poland
Wroclaw
Romania
Cluj-Napoca
