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In its initial official response to the announcement regarding the potential establishment of an NBA Europe league, EuroLeague Basketball described the initiative as a “challenge to the enduring traditions of European basketball,” warning that it could result in a “fragmentation” of the sport across the continent.
Mark Tatum, the NBA’s Deputy Commissioner, contended that their intention is to develop a league focused on maximizing basketball’s commercial prospects in Europe while simultaneously respecting its rich heritage.
“Our aim is not to supplant the EuroLeague,” Tatum stated in an interview with Reuters. “Our objective is to form a commercially sustainable league that showcases top-tier competition and honors the deep-rooted traditions of European basketball. We believe this approach will serve the interests of fans and players throughout the region more effectively.”
Given that basketball ranks as the second most popular sport in Europe after soccer, Tatum noted that the NBA aims to leverage this popularity to foster financial growth within the sport.
“There exists an opportunity to further enhance the growth of basketball in Europe and bridge the gap between the sport’s popularity and its commercial potential in the region,” Tatum remarked.
He further emphasized that there are significant markets in Europe that remain untapped, filled with millions of basketball enthusiasts who currently lack adequate services, citing cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome as key targets for potential NBA Europe teams.
