As the NBA continues to grow its presence overseas, commissioner Adam Silver outlined a bold vision for the future that could see teams from other continents playing United States-based franchises in the regular season or postseason. In addition to its grassroots efforts in Europe and Africa and its NBA Global Games series, the NBA is in the process of launching a new league in Europe that could begin play in 2027 or 2028. And it may not be long before international play pits European squads against existing American teams.
Silver envisions tinkering with the NBA Cup or perhaps the NBA playoffs to begin introducing international teams into the league’s schedule. From there, regular-season play across borders could be a feasible next step.
“We have something we call the NBA Cup, a midseason tournament,” Silver said at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum. “You could imagine teams from Europe, potentially Africa, competing in that tournament. You possibly could see teams coming into our playoffs, top seeds from other leagues.”
The European league could pull existing successful clubs to build its membership. Silver this summer reportedly met with Real Madrid about potentially joining the league, and the interest may be mutual given the club’s foray into American sports with its agreement to host an NFL game this season.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver meets with Real Madrid about potential European league membership, per report
Austin Nivison
Basketball’s rapid growth in Europe and the massive influx of European talent into the NBA in recent years indicate the potential for the proposed league to find immense success.
“Over time, certainly in Europe,…
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