Basketball is rapidly strengthening its position worldwide, and Europe is one of its key growth catalysts. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke about the league’s rationale for entering the European market, the principles of competitive balance, and possible launch dates. We discussed what the new tournament might look like within the NBA framework and why it will not be a copy of European football.
Why Europe and Why Now
— Mr. Silver, what is pushing the NBA toward a European project at this moment?
— The momentum is clear: basketball is among the fastest-growing sports on the planet and is already the No. 2 sport in Europe. A window of opportunity has opened, and we see market readiness — from audiences to sponsors and media partners. Our task is to convert that demand into a sustainable league with a clear sporting structure.
A Model Without Perpetual Favorites
— You often compare different sports models. What will the NBA's European league be guided by, and what would you like to avoid?
— We respect European football, but we are not aiming for a format where a small circle of eternal favorites is known in advance. We prefer a system in which every team has a realistic chance at a championship run within a horizon of a few years. It is about managing the competitive landscape: transparent regulations, equal rules, and no closed elite. We want the playoff drama to live everywhere — from the first to the last minute of the season.
Economics and Sporting Fairness
— How will you balance owners' ambitions with competitive equity? Will you adopt a hard salary cap?
— Our goal is not rigid bans, but smart regulators. We are not proposing an ironclad cap, but we will provide tools for cost control and competitive balance. That includes financial mechanisms and regulatory measures — from the allocation of rights to sporting regulations. The bottom line is simple: major investment is welcome, but it must not undermine competition. The league wins only when a title shot is not the privilege of a few clubs, but the systemic result of management quality and player development.
Arenas and Logistics: Starting in Existing Venues
— Where will games be played? Build from scratch or use existing infrastructure?
— We will start pragmatically, relying on existing multi-purpose arenas that meet NBA standards for safety, fan services, and broadcasting. In parallel, we will plan a transition to our own facilities. A critical block is logistics: the calendar, travel, and regional clusters of games. We want the game — not the flights — to remain the focus, so we will set a comfortable regular-season schedule and an intelligible playoff bracket.
Roadmap and Timeline
— Can you outline the launch window?
— 2027 is an ambitious but achievable target. At the same time, we would prefer not to go beyond 2028. We are now building the sequence of steps: selecting cities and partners, media rights, operational protocols, and organizational structure. The more precisely we execute the preparatory phase, the more resilient the project will be over the long run.
What Fans and the Market Should Expect
— What product will European fans get at the start?
— The NBA brand of basketball fans recognize: pace, athleticism, broadcast production, and fan engagement. We will focus not only on the games, but also on the surrounding environment — from community and youth programs to interactive formats. It is important that every home game becomes a city event, and every playoff series turns into a story the entire country follows.
A Look Ahead
— What will define success in the first seasons?
— Not only the first champion’s title, but the depth of competition. If in the early years we see different clubs capable of contending for the Finals, and the audience grows not because of hype but because of product quality, then we are on the right course. Europe is ready — now it is our turn to take the next step carefully and professionally.
