New York (AP) – A new basketball league in Europe, promoted by the NBA and FIBA, could begin to be played in 2027 or 2028, although there is still no defined calendar, according to the NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver.
By participating in a conference organized by Front Office SportsSilver considered that a start in 2027 would be “ambitious, no doubt”, for the issues that are still pending, but did not rule out that possibility. He reiterated that the estimated deadline is two to three years and that, in a first stage, there could be existing sands in Europe while more modern infrastructure is developed.
“I don’t think I would like to go far beyond 2028. The opportunity is now to do something like that,” Silver said.
The leader recalled that launching the league near the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games would also be a logical option.
Last March, the NBA and FIBA - rectoring world basketball organism – formally announced the plan to create a new European League, after years of speculation. The project advances quickly and last month there was a key step by adding JPMorgan Chase and Raine Group as financial and strategic advisors.
Silver pointed out that both he and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum have held positive meetings with political leaders, clubs, media, possible investors and other actors in Europe, while the work continues in the offices of the League.
Preliminary plans contemplate 16 teamsalthough that figure could vary. Among the clubs that appear as candidates are mentioned Real Madrid, Fenerbahce de Istanbul and Barcelonain addition to marks linked to football as Manchester City y Paris Saint-Germain.
Currently, one in six NBA players is European, including figures such as Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Giannis antetokounmpo (Greece), Luka Doncic (Slovenia) and Victor Wembanyama (France), who together have won five of the last seven most valuable player awards.
“Basketball is probably the fastest growing sport in the world and it is already number two in Europe, only behind football, so I think there is a real opportunity,” said Silver.
