
Adam Silver addressed the media in Paris before the start of the NBA Paris Games 2025. Unsurprisingly, he was asked about the NBA’s potential plans to expand into Europe.
Silver acknowledged the league’s interest in establishing a European presence, but clarified that it wouldn’t involve directly incorporating teams into the NBA as part of an expansion.
“We might eventually have NBA franchises here, but it’s not our priority right now,” Silver explained. “That’s not something we’re discussing at the moment. We’d need supersonic jets to make it work.”
The commissioner elaborated that instead of merging European teams into the NBA itself, the league is exploring the possibility of launching a distinct European league.
He likened the idea to the structure of the Basketball Africa League, which operates under NBA support but exists as a standalone competition.
Silver emphasized the importance of proceeding cautiously to ensure they respect the established basketball framework in Europe.
“We’re moving slowly to ensure that anything we do is accepted by the existing basketball ecosystem,” he noted.
“We’ve been having direct conversations with stakeholders this week. We want to respect the traditions of European sports, no matter what direction we take.”
Silver made it clear that the goal is not simply to transplant the NBA model but to collaborate with European basketball organizations in creating something tailored to the region.
“We’re talking about a competition – probably an independent league separate from the NBA. It would be a European league. What form it takes is still being explored. We’re speaking with various groups to understand what opportunities exist,” Silver said.
As discussions continue, it’s apparent the NBA’s approach is one of deliberate planning and collaboration to ensure that any new league aligns with the rich basketball heritage already present in Europe.
Adam Silver Confirms NBA Interest In Launching Independent League In Europe https://t.co/87m8cGMEdd
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 23, 2025