NBA commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed that the league is considering expanding its presence in Europe through an independent competition. In an interview with ‘Le Figaro’, Silver said Thursday that they are “talking about a competition, probably an independent league separate from the NBA. It would be a European league. And all this would surely come from the hand of FIBA.
Silver ruled out that, in the short term, NBA franchises would compete in a European division: “We may eventually have NBA franchises here, but it’s not our priority right now. We would need supersonic jets to make it work.” Instead, the focus is on developing a model similar to the Basketball Africa League.
COLLABORATION WITH FIBA
The commissioner stressed that a partnership with FIBA would be key to the success of the project. “We can help grow basketball in Europe. This could take the form of an independent league, possibly in partnership with existing leagues such as FIBA,” Silver explained. He also assured that talks with interested parties are already underway.
Silver insisted on the importance of respecting the traditions of European basketball: “We are moving slowly to make sure that whatever we do is accepted by the existing basketball ecosystem.”
GARBAJOSA APPLAUDS THE INITIATIVE
Jorge Garbajosa, president of FIBA Europe and former NBA player (as well as Real Madrid or Baskonia), has positively valued the possible collaboration between the NBA and FIBA. Speaking to ‘Radio MARCA’, he commented: “It is a source of pride that the NBA is considering coming to Europe 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 organizing tournaments.
Garbajosa also stressed the need to find a solution that benefits both clubs and national teams: “We have always tried to have an open three-way table between FIBA, Euroleague and NBA. What we are looking for is stability and for the fans to recognize what they are watching”.
Although the project is still in the exploratory phase, the NBA seems determined to take a major step in Europe. With FIBA’s backing and the interest of European basketball growing, the stage is set for this new league to become a reality in the next few years.