The National Basketball League (NBA) is played around North America, which has 30 teams. 29 of those teams belong to the United States, while one is from Canada. The basketball is growing rapidly with its popularity in Europe. It has become one of the most watched sport in the continent.
Meanwhile, 15 percent of the players currently playing in the league are European. Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are some of the players who are from Europe. This will be no surprise if the league decides to expand in Europe, so, is it really happening?
Is NBA planning a league in Europe?
NBA alongside FIBA had announced back in Dece,eber that they are open to the idea of planning a league in Europe. According to a report in NBA’s official site, it also read that they move forward in their joint exploration of a new professional, pan-European men’s basketball league.
Further, it was announced that it will be assisted by engaging prospective teams and ownership groups in the process to join the league. While it was scheduled to happen in January, the latest report by USA Sports reads that the new league will be introduced in Europe as early as 2027.
The report by the league website also read that both the NBA and teh FIBA will “plan” to provide financial support and resources to support the “development of Europe’s basketball ecosystem, including domestic leagues, club team academies, and the NBA and FIBA’s existing programs to develop aspiring players, coaches, and referees at all levels of the game.”
According to Leah MacNab, NBA Senior Vice President and Head of International Strategy, in a conversation with USA TODAY Sports, it was revealed that a launch of a 16-team league with 10-12 permanent teams with around four rotational spots is in the plans.
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