NBA plans to ‘tap into European football culture’

In addition to the proposed European basketball league, NBA commissioner Adam Silver claims he wants to “tap into” European football culture.

Although BBC Sport is aware that neither of Manchester City nor Manchester United would have a team should the endeavor develop, Silver claims to have spoken with both.

The goal is to establish a permanent league on the continent as soon as the 2027-28 season, which is currently NBA Europe.

With a team from both London and Manchester expected to participate, there might be up to 16 teams from across the continent.

The league is anticipated to include both current basketball teams and football clubs with new franchises and those that do not currently have any associated basketball teams.

Silver told BBC Sport, “We’re having conversations with everyone, and it’s a big part of why this process has been going on for so long.”

“We wanted to make sure we covered everyone when I started speaking in public about the Paris Olympics.” We’ve spoken with all parties who are interested, and we’ve covered all opportunities and concerns.

Silver also confirmed that he has spoken with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris St-Germain as a way to combine the best of both established and new European clubs.

However, according to reports, Real and Barcelona, the current EuroLeague, has concerns about the new competition, and has threatened legal action against the NBA if clubs violate existing agreements.

However, Silver believes that the already substantial support of football clubs could have a significant impact on the expansion of the game across Europe, speaking before the NBA’s first regular season game on Sunday.

He said, “I want to be wary of] those traditions.

Because of how special, unique, and long-held that culture is, I don’t want to make up anyone who might be a part of this new league into thinking they can be easily transferred.

We also desire the advantages of that incredible wisdom and understanding gained over the course of decades of operation.

“As an American, I observe that there is religious fervor in the local football clubs, and we could only be so fortunate to do that. This is more focused on one area. That represents opportunity, in my opinion.