The NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with superstar Tom Brady and the Seattle Seahawks in Munich was a complete success. 69,811 spectators were there live in the Allianz Arena, and there had been more than three million ticket inquiries in advance. This huge interest is now attracting attention from other US sports leagues.
The NFL’s guest appearance in Munich showed that US sport is attracting people in Germany – maybe even more than ever.
The football league has well thought out its debut in this country. Two games in Frankfurt and another NFL match in Munich are planned for 2023 to 2025. But other US professional leagues are also thinking about getting involved in Germany.
According to “Sport Bild”, the NBA in particular is currently sounding out the local market very closely. The goal: The biggest basketball league in the world should soon come to Germany. Or rather: come back.
“Germany is one of the options that we look at when we’re looking for venues. We’ve already played preparatory games in Berlin in the past. From my point of view, it would be fantastic if we came back to Germany!” Said NBA Europe boss Mark Osikoya the sheet.
Will Munich also get an NBA match after the NFL guest appearance?
In Germany there was a test match between two NBA clubs in Berlin in 2008. Back then, the New Orleans Hornets met the Washington Wizards. In Berlin in 1996, the Indiana Pacers also played a test against the Seattle Super Sonics. In 2006, Cologne was the scene of the NBA test game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Phoenix Suns.
NBA league games have been held in Europe since 2011. The US professional basketball league has already made nine guest appearances in London.
On January 19, the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons will face off in Paris. “We have a firm agreement to host a game in Europe every year,” Osikoya explained.
Berlin probably has the best chances for a comeback of the NBA in Germany. “The most important factor in the choice is the size of the arena,” said Osikoya, adding: “Berlin is very attractive when it comes to the fan base and the city.”
In addition to the Mercedes Benz Arena in Berlin, which offers space for 14,500 spectators, the Lanxess Arena in Cologne with 19,500 seats and the SAP Garden in Munich, which will open in 2024 and offer space for 12,500 spectators, are also possible.
