• Loading stock data...
Friday, February 14, 2025

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

Kelsey Plum Introduced in L.A., Throws Jab at Las Vegas Aces

She won two championships with the Las Vegas Aces.

Caitlin Clark Effect: Lasting Impact on Women’s College Hoops Viewership?

Women’s March Madness starts March 16 with Selection Sunday.
hanson_smiling
exclusive

Scott Hanson in Talks With NBC As NFL Network Negotiations Stall

The NFL RedZone host hosted NBC’s Olympics ‘Gold Zone’ coverage last summer.

NASCAR’s New Media Deals Launch As Michael Jordan’s Lawsuit Looms

The Daytona 500 begins the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
Minjee Lee of Perth, Australia lines up her putt on the 2nd hole on Thursday, Feb. 6th during the first round of the LPGA 2025 Founders Cup at the Bradenton Country Club in Bradenton, Florida.

New LPGA Rules to Speed Up Game with ‘Stronger Deterrent’

The LPGA will penalize players for taking too long.
Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Sweden goalie Linus Ullmark (35) warms-up before a game against Team Canada during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre.
February 12, 2025

NHL Says World Cup of Hockey to Return in 2028

The event will launch a schedule of biannual international competition.
February 13, 2025

A Rival Upstart Looks to Challenge Major League Soccer’s Top Dog Status

The USL is planning to launch a Division I men’s soccer league.
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.
Sep 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) walks on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park.
February 12, 2025

MLB Spring Training Camps Open With Plenty of Top Talent Unsigned

The MLB free-agent market remains tight as spring training camps open.
Jan 25, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Harris English plays his shot from the 16th tee during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course - South Course.
February 12, 2025

Torrey Pines Subs In for Second 2025 PGA Tour Event After Wildfires

The Genesis Invitational was moved out of Los Angeles after the wildfires.
February 11, 2025

MLB, Nike Unveil New Uniforms, and Yes, Sheer Pants Are Gone

The league and Nike are rolling out expected corrections as camps open.
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver (right) presents Team LeBron guard Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (30) with the The Kobe Bryant Trophy for being the most valuable player after the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
February 11, 2025

Steph Curry Advised Adam Silver on All-Star Game Format Change

Viewership for the All-Star Game has declined in recent years.