MIES/NEW YORK (Switzerland/U.S.A) - The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced their joint exploration of a new professional men’s basketball league in Europe that would bring the sport to more European fans and accelerate the game’s growth across the continent. The NBA and FIBA will continue discussions that began more than a year ago with prospective investors, teams, arena developers and commercial partners.
Under the plan being explored, the new league would be integrated into the current European basketball landscape, with teams also participating in their respective national leagues. In addition to permanent teams, the league would offer clubs a merit-based pathway to qualification through the European basketball ecosystem.
As part of a new league, the NBA and FIBA would also plan to dedicate financial support and resources to the continued development of Europe’s basketball ecosystem, including club team academies and the NBA and FIBA’s existing programs to develop aspiring players, coaches and referees at all levels of the game.
The announcement was made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis following the NBA Board of Governors meeting in New York and the FIBA Executive Committee meeting earlier this month in Mies, Switzerland.
"The European basketball community is proud of its seven-decade history of international club competitions and the elite talent it develops," said Zagklis.
"Yet given the sport’s popularity and the success of national team competitions, there is untapped potential in European club basketball. A new league in Europe would combine the NBA’s business acumen with the international expertise of FIBA to attract new basketball fans and investors alike, maximize club benefits, and establish synergies for the benefit of all stakeholders."
"The NBA and FIBA are uniquely positioned to build on the rich tradition of European basketball," said Silver. "We look forward to collaborating with FIBA to explore the creation of a new league for fans across the continent."
The NBA and FIBA will provide additional updates at a later date.
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