NBA’s Expansion into Europe
The NBA is planning to introduce a new professional basketball league in Europe within the next year, collaborating with FIBA, the sport’s governing body, with a significant focus on the UK.
Opportunities in the UK
George Aivazoglou, the NBA’s managing director for Europe and the Middle East, emphasized the UK’s potential, labeling it the largest opportunity in Europe. The league is expected to include teams from major UK cities like London and Manchester, alongside cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris.
Current State of UK Basketball
Despite various European cities having teams in the EuroLeague, no British team has participated. This season, the UK did not have representation in the EuroCup, which further highlights the country’s struggle at the elite professional level, despite high public interest in basketball.
Popularity and Participation
Basketball ranks as the second-most popular team sport in the UK, trailing behind football. NBA data reveal that the UK is the second-largest merchandise market in Europe and has a significant number of subscribers to the NBA League Pass, second only to Germany.
The Super League Basketball Finals
The British club basketball season culminated in a well-attended Super League Basketball (SLB) playoff finals at the O2 Arena. Despite the competitive nature of the games, media coverage was minimal, illustrating the disconnect between excitement on the court and public awareness.
Tensions and Disputes
The SLB faces challenges, especially after the BBF awarded a long-term license to new investors to operate the men’s professional league, which raised concerns among SLB clubs about their commercial rights and financial viability as part of the league.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA and GBBL aim for a 2026-27 launch, the future of British basketball remains uncertain. The ongoing disputes threaten to undermine the recent international strides made by the men’s and women’s senior teams, showcasing a need for unity in the sport.
