• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Adam Silver on Potential NBA League in Europe: ‘Still on the Table’

The NBA commissioner spoke at a press conference in France ahead of the NBA Paris Games.

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed to reporters that its strategy in Europe may involve an independent league similar to what the NBA has built with the Basketball Africa League.

But the next day, Silver spoke at a press conference ahead of a two-game slate in Paris between the Spurs and Pacers and said that nothing is set in stone with a potential league. He said that “everything is still on the table,” including bringing in teams from the EuroLeague.

“The potential to include existing clubs, absolutely, should there be interest. The opportunity to create sustainable competition? Yes. Would we want to have a broad base of countries represented? Absolutely. I mean, that’s the benefit we have now by coming in and looking at this from a blank canvas,” Silver said.

The EuroLeague, which was established in the 1950s, is widely regarded as the second-best basketball league in the world after the NBA. Should the NBA build a league in Europe, it would have to compete directly with the EuroLeague.

IMG, the EuroLeague business arm, agreed to a long-term extension with the league earlier this year. However, according to The Athletic, the extension comes with opt-out clauses for its teams.

Silver did not comment on the deal between IMG and the EuroLeague, simply recognizing the NBA has relationships with both organizations.

“We’ve been partners in the past with the EuroLeague, and are close with many of their clubs, and are appreciative of the effort that’s going into growing basketball throughout Europe,” Silver said.

Exploring Team World vs. Team USA

Silver was also asked about the All-Star Game—which has been tweaked this year from a traditional East vs. West game to a tournament-style format—and whether the league has considered a Team USA vs. Team World game.

The commissioner, who repeatedly mentioned that about 30% of NBA players have international backgrounds, confirmed the league has discussed the potential format. However, Silver said he also wanted to remain respectful of the development that individual countries have made over the years.

“[It may] be a little bit of an old-fashioned concept where we come in as Americans and say we’ll take on the world. I’m not sure how well that would be received by our international players,” Silver said.

However, he left the door open to a Team World vs. Team USA game. “Maybe we will do that one day,” Silver said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

In the NIL Era, College Basketball’s Biggest Programs Keep Winning

Only Power 4 teams qualified for the men’s Sweet 16.
Kelly Coleman, pro bat lead operator, inspects a torpedo bat after it comes out of a baseball bat lathe at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, Ky. on Mar. 31, 2025.

‘Torpedo’ Bat Sales Boom As Debate Rages About Effectiveness

Several manufacturers report historic interest in the much-debated bat design.

Featured Today

Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Creator Behind the LeBron ‘Glazing’ Trend Sweeping TikTok

FOS spoke to TikTok user OkaySpade who made the original song.
Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys manager Amir Khan before a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Amica Mutual Pavilion
April 1, 2025

Inside the 24-Hour NIL March Madness Deals

Some of the most viral partnerships come together overnight.
Seattle Kraken
April 1, 2025

Samantha Holloway Is Seattle’s NHL Present—and Hopeful NBA Future

Samantha Holloway is steering the Kraken and hoping to revive pro hoops.
Brehanna Daniels
March 31, 2025

NASCAR Pit Crew Member Brehanna Daniels Didn’t Know She’d Be a Trailblazer

The first Black female tire changer didn’t know she’d be a trailblazer.
Los Angeles Golf Club owners Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams cheer for their team against the New York Golf Club during the TGL semifinal match at SoFi Center on March 17, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
exclusive

Alexis Ohanian Bid on NFL Flag Football, Serena Williams Exploring Franchise

Ohanian is the first known bidder for the flag football leagues.
Laney-Hamilton
April 1, 2025

WNBA Champion Missing Season Shows Risks and Kinks of Unrivaled

The Liberty have six weeks to make a decision on Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
April 1, 2025

Goodell, Owners Signal 18-Game NFL Season Is Coming—Eventually

The idea of a longer schedule ties into several other league initiatives.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Nov 10, 2024; Munich, Germany; The NFL shield logo at midfield during the 2024 NFL Munich Game at Allianz Arena.
April 1, 2025

NFL’s Global Ambitions Now Extend to Abu Dhabi

Three teams gain marketing rights to the United Arab Emirates.
April 1, 2025

NFL Tush Push Vote Has Been Pushed

Owners table a vote on the highly debated quarterback sneak play.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
March 31, 2025

Major Unrivaled Injury Hits WNBA

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton injured her meniscus at the new Miami league.
exclusive
March 31, 2025

NFL Considers Backers for Pro Flag Football Leagues Ahead of LA28

The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles are seen as a likely watershed event.