For the first time, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presented a specific timeline for expansion to the United States, indicating that a decision on whether to continue the project would be made sometime in 2026.
“In terms of expansion in the United States, we continue to study it,” Silver said during a press conference Tuesday, before the NBA Cup final between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. “We are studying the Las Vegas market, as well as the Seattle market. We also looked at other markets. I want to clarify that we are not trying to generate interest in these markets, as we have been discussing them for some time. »
“As I have already said, expansion in the United States, unlike the creation of a new league in Europe, involves a sale of shares in the current league. If you own 1/30 of this league, you will own 1/32 with the addition of two teams. The economic analysis is therefore much more complex. »
“I think we are currently working with our teams to gauge the level of interest and better understand the economic situation on the ground for these particular teams, as well as the forecasting aspect of their situation. We will make a decision in 2026.”
NBA Europe: “a lot of interest” from potential investors
The NBA has received “a lot” of interest from potential investors for its NBA Europe project, said the commissioner, who anticipates an acceleration of discussions in January.
The manager recalled that the NBA had mandated the banks JP Morgan and The Raine Group to begin discussions with potential investors, adding that they had received “a lot (of brands) of positive interest”.
Mr. Silver specified that the potential investors were “football clubs, some already having a basketball team, basketball clubs, but also other people”, i.e. “a very wide range”.
“In January we should have more in-depth conversations with these organizations,” he added, specifying however that “several cities that interest us do not have an adequate stadium”.
The NBA plans to create a competition in Europe by 2027, in partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), a project which is causing great tensions with the Euroleague, the current main competition on the Old Continent.
