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While there were no major announcements or a definitive plan unveiled, Adam Silver made it abundantly clear during his visit to Paris: the NBA is set to establish a presence in Europe, one way or another.
In his press conference addressing French media, Silver outlined the NBA’s aspirations: “We are considering a competition that would be a league independent of the NBA, focusing specifically on Europe. The precise format is still to be determined, but discussions are ongoing with various stakeholders to explore what possibilities lie ahead.”
He further elaborated, stating, “We can enhance the growth of basketball, which is indeed appealing. Similar to our initiative in Africa with an independent league, our approach could involve partnerships with existing leagues or FIBA. We are proceeding cautiously to ensure our efforts align with the current basketball landscape, and we plan to engage directly with involved parties this week. Whatever direction we take, we aim to honor the traditions of European sports.”
This initiative will not constitute an expansion of the NBA, as Silver emphasized: “While the idea of franchises exists, it is not our primary focus right now. That conversation is not our present agenda. We would need supersonic jets for that.”
Additionally, Silver indicated that there has been no confirmation of an NBA game being scheduled in Paris for 2026, as other European cities are also interested in hosting NBA events.
“It remains uncertain if we will make a return to Paris,” Silver remarked, clarifying, “We will surely return to Europe. Scheduling regular-season games outside the U.S. proves challenging, and there are numerous potential host cities. We are currently evaluating this.”
Thus, the NBA may find itself in various European nations, according to the commissioner: “Interest in basketball is on the rise across Europe, and we have the ambition to expand internationally. Spending a week in Europe, visiting multiple cities? That’s a possibility we’re open to exploring. The idea of stepping outside the United States for games abroad is certainly appealing.”
Silver also expressed admiration for Victor Wembanyama, a standout talent and key figure for Paris games: “What strikes me most? His professionalism, which is inspiring for greatness. Watching him play brings joy due to his skill. I’m uncertain if his coaches endorse his frequent three-point attempts (laughs). His defensive prowess is remarkable. Victor possesses a curiosity about the world, with his African roots, his life in Texas, and his quest to learn about different cultures. He is a unique individual given his stature. He excels in basketball and has diverse interests. Collaborating and conversing with him is a pleasure; he facilitates our work.”
The following day, during an extended press conference for all media outlets, Silver reiterated that every option is under consideration, including the possibility of inviting EuroLeague teams to participate: “Everything remains on the table. Considering the inclusion of existing clubs? There should be significant interest. The potential for establishing a sustainable league? Absolutely. We envision a diverse representation from various countries. We have the advantage of starting from scratch. However, I want to acknowledge the deep history and traditions within European basketball, which we intend to respect.”
When addressing the EuroLeague and its partnership with IMG, he remarked, “I won’t delve into the specifics of the IMG-EuroLeague relationship. I’m well-acquainted with IMG, and they are excellent marketers. We have a history of partnership with the EuroLeague and maintain close relationships with many of their teams. We appreciate their commitment to promoting basketball in Europe.”
As per Silver, the sentiment across Europe regarding the NBA’s involvement is encouraging, and this has been reflected in discussions with potential partners: “The tone of our meetings has been highly positive. There is no animosity towards any individual or organization. As we explore opportunities and engage with these partners, they convey a belief in the commercial potential—especially among the younger demographics, which typically align with the NBA’s fan base. It seems that the market is ready to expand in this sport.”
Finally, Silver confirmed that all discussions are taking place in cooperation with FIBA: “Any initiatives we undertake will include a partnership with FIBA, even though no agreements are currently in place. We remain in the exploratory phase. However, I can say that all our global efforts have been in collaboration with FIBA, such as the league we currently operate in Africa.”
