NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently discussed the possibility of a European NBA division during an appearance on The Big Podcast with Shaq. Speaking with Shaquille O’Neal, Silver outlined the critical challenges and opportunities involved in expanding the league internationally.
Silver highlighted the growing popularity of basketball in European capitals such as Paris, London, Berlin, and Madrid. He emphasized the importance of leveraging this interest through a potential independent league before adding permanent NBA franchises in Europe. This initiative, he said, could help evaluate the long-term feasibility of expansion.
One of the biggest hurdles for establishing a European NBA division is air travel. Silver explained that faster transatlantic flights could significantly reduce travel time, making a Europe-based division more practical. He mentioned the historical use of supersonic flights and expressed optimism about the development of next-generation jets to bridge the gap.
“In Europe, one of the things we’re looking at right now is the Indiana Pacers and Spurs playing in Paris in late January, bringing Victor Wembanyama home,” Silver said, via HoopsHype. “Before adding franchises, there’s an opportunity to create an independent league there. This could leverage the enormous interest in basketball in major European capitals.”
The NBA’s growing footprint in Europe is evident, with regular-season games being held in Paris and London in recent years. Silver underscored the importance of these events in maintaining momentum for the league’s international growth.
Reports suggest that the NBA is in discussions with FIBA about co-managing a potential continental league in Europe. Additionally, the EuroLeague, Europe’s premier basketball competition, is reportedly open to collaborating with the NBA to strengthen the sport’s global appeal.
While expanding the NBA to Europe presents logistical challenges, the concept has sparked enthusiasm among fans and players alike. The introduction of a European league could provide a bridge for elite talent to compete on a global stage while bolstering the sport’s popularity in key markets.
Silver also praised advancements in technology, noting their potential role in overcoming obstacles like travel and scheduling. “Shaq, as a technologist, you’ve always been ahead of the curve,” Silver told O’Neal. “If air travel between the U.S. and Europe became faster, it would make a European NBA division much easier.”
The NBA’s vision for a European division remains in its early stages, but the league is actively exploring ways to turn the concept into reality.