NBA and European Football Clubs in Talks Over New Basketball League

TDT | Manama

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) is exploring a potential expansion into Europe through discussions with top European football clubs regarding the creation of a new basketball league on the continent. The move, which is being developed in partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), could mark a significant step in the global growth of U.S. sports influence.

Discussions With European Football Giants

According to Bloomberg News, early-stage talks have taken place with the owners of clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester City, along with potential investors for a London-based franchise. A spokesperson for Qatar Sports Investments, PSG’s ownership group, confirmed that they had been approached regarding a basketball franchise in Paris and had expressed interest in the project.

Manchester City has yet to issue a response regarding its involvement.

Expansion Plans Under Review

The NBA Board of Governors is reviewing the proposal this week, which includes a plan to introduce approximately eight new franchises across Europe. Reports suggest that these franchises could be sold for an initial fee of around $500 million each, potentially attracting significant investment from European and international markets.

Competing Visions for a European Basketball League

The discussions come amid separate efforts to establish a high-profile basketball league spanning both Asia and Europe. Earlier this year, the Financial Times reported that a group of investors, with backing from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and advisory support from Swiss bank UBS, was working on a project intended to rival the NBA in the long term.

While details remain in the early stages, the NBA’s involvement in European basketball could reshape the sport’s landscape on the continent, further strengthening its international presence.