Photo: Peter Baba

NBA commissioner Adam Silver, speaking to reporters in Paris this week, confirmed the league is still exploring the possibility of launching a European division.

Talks between the NBA and FIBA on the idea were first reported in December, and Silver recently addressed it on Shaquille O’Neal’s podcast.

As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted, Silver’s latest remarks were his most detailed yet, suggesting the EuroLeague, Europe’s top basketball league, is not fully capitalizing on its financial potential.

“While Europe produces some of the world’s best players, including recent MVPs, we believe the commercial growth hasn’t kept up with the game’s development,” Silver said.

“Running leagues is what we do – the WNBA, G League, Basketball Africa League, and others. We’re examining if we can elevate basketball in Europe and create larger commercial opportunities.”

According to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov, the NBA is weighing several models for the league, which might feature new teams, existing clubs, or a mix.

Sources suggest Real Madrid could leave the EuroLeague to join the NBA’s venture, with other EuroLeague teams and European soccer clubs potentially creating basketball teams.

Cities like Manchester, Berlin, London, Paris, and Munich are under consideration as markets and regular-season NBA games might be held there soon.

“Everything is on the table,” Silver said, indicating the league could include EuroLeague teams and aims to respect European basketball’s traditions while creating sustainable competition.