Sports professionals say…
The NBA has hosted more than 200 games outside the United States and Canada and has made no secret of its desire for global growth.
With the new Europa League, the NBA will take a similar approach with the establishment of the BAL, which began its fourth season last weekend. However, this project in Africa was not aimed at competing with competition like Euroleague.
It's hard to imagine the EuroLeague being excited about the prospect of having such a well-resourced competitor in its backyard. In fact, it could be the latest stop in a long-running feud with FIBA, reminiscent of when the world governing body launched the Basketball Champions League in 2016.
There is no doubt that the NBA has become so popular in Europe. The match against Paris was a huge success, with a record 64 European players on the team roster when the 2023/24 season begins, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and recent star Victor Wembaneyama. A series of
But the continent remains not a major source of revenue for the league, which collects hundreds of millions of dollars annually. These aren't laughable numbers, and the NBA is a far more successful international broadcast product than, say, the National Football League (NFL). But the NBA is thinking bigger, with Sportico estimating that the basketball ecosystem in Europe and the Middle East could reach US$3 billion in annual revenue, based on projections from Raine Group. That's what it means.
While various initiatives are already in place to grow basketball in Europe, such as the NBA's agreement with the French government, a standalone league that would give fans the ability to watch games with respected NBA products would be It will definitely be the biggest statement of intent. At a more convenient time.
Are you ready for success? Join SportsPro Live in London this April to uncover the secrets to monetization, audience engagement, environmental and social responsibility success. Get your pass now.
