The NBA, along with FIBA, are continuing their sights on Europe… with a possible tournament on the horizon | Relief

He has been the talk of European basketball for years: the launch of the NBA in Europe. Landing is slow, but it’s getting closer as revealed by Adam Silver, commissioner of the American leaguewhich is in France for the Olympic Games and has confirmed the negotiations, which we already reported in Relevo last March, to describe a future with FIBA.

“We have not made any final decision” Silver said in a conversation with Associated Press. “I still believe there is a huge opportunity here. It is not something that is going to change the league structure in the short term. But I think there is a desire among our team owners for additional investment. in world basketball. We have a separate initiative in China. We have a unique initiative in Africa. “With the quality of basketball here in Europe, it would make sense for us to do something here as well.”

The NBA has been seeking cooperation with FIBA​​​​ for a long time and, of course, these conversations They have been taking place for months as they aim to document a common future with different projects in the world, including Europe, as Relevo has learned. A discussion which, at this time, does not have a specific objective other than to work together to improve the scene in continental basketball.

In his conversation with AP, Silver has spoken for the first time about the possibility of competition, although there is no timetable for this. “We will take the time we need before we decide whether we should move forward with any initiative,” he told the NBA’s ‘head’ during his visit to Europe. I have a feeling (and I am again, I am still researching) that many investors lose a lot of money every year. And while it’s not all about the money, most things that continue to lose money don’t have a path to profit. And so, “Whatever we do here, I think it is important that it contributes to the structure of European basketball. “

That is NBA is moving to increase its radius of action and influence in the Old Continent and continue to move forward in the concept of the business of basketball, as it has done so far. The good relationship between North American league vice president Mark Tatum and FIBA – as part of the executive committee of basketball’s highest body – is essential for these discussions to continue and reach a successful conclusion.

Although there is still a long way to go, the harmony between the NBA and FIBA ​​is complete. In fact, this project has a history and could imitate the model implemented in Africa and Asia with competitions studied by the two basketball organizations. The American competition also believes that there is plenty of room for improvement in terms of profits.