NBA Europe between enthusiasm and skepticism
The NBA Europe project divides clubs and fans: global vision on one side, high costs and uncertain revenues on the other.
Yesterday, January 19, discussions took place around the NBA Europe project. The meeting, held in London, saw Adam Silver engage with more than 250 key figures from the European sports landscape, outlining the dynamics needed to reach the target set for 2027 – a tight deadline.
Among the most prominent organizations present were Manchester City and AC Milan, football clubs that have shown concrete interest in the NBA Europe project.
But what positions have emerged around this plan?
On one side stands the enthusiasm of Zlatan Ibrahimović, who, representing AC Milan, expressed a strongly positive view of a potential NBA arrival in Europe, highlighting the appeal of combining the American business model with the European fan base.
I am convinced that if the NBA arrives with an idea and a business model and combines them with European fans, a perfect partnership can be created.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, via La Gazzetta dello Sport
The new competition is also seen as a strategic economic opportunity, as emphasized by Gerry Cardinale, capable of going beyond basketball and engaging European sport as a whole, both from a media and commercial standpoint.
I think it will be an incredible success: if we do it right, it could turn into one of the best things ever to happen to sport.
Gerry Cardinale, via La Gazzetta dello Sport
On the other side, skepticism is growing among Real Madrid fans, who view NBA Europe with serious concern due to its potential impact on the traditions of European basketball. According to Madrid supporters, the project risks overturning a system built on historic clubs and established competitions, without offering real guarantees of sporting continuity.
Our commitment is to a European basketball landscape in which we can compete against historic teams with deep basketball traditions. As of today, this is not what the NBA Europe project seems to offer.
Joint statement from Real Madrid supporters
This distrust is shared by many European clubs and is fueled by the lack of clear information on potential revenues. At the moment, discussions focus almost exclusively on the requirements: conversion into permanent franchises and an entry fee that could reach €500 million – a massive investment with returns that remain undefined.
An NBA that is increasingly less American
The NBA Europe project fits into a broader process of international expansion that has been underway for more than 30 years. The NBA is now a truly global league, increasingly detached from an exclusively American identity. This is also reflected in the league’s top stars: Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. For the first time in its history, a significant portion of the NBA’s most recognizable faces are non-American.
The future of the NBA appears firmly pointed in this direction. While the concerns of Real Madrid supporters are understandable, in an increasingly globalized sports world it is difficult to imagine a different path – especially given the economic pressures and brand-expansion needs driving modern professional sport.