$20 Billion Market Lures Adam Silver Despite Worrying Signs of European Takeover of the NBA

Over the last few years, the NBA has spread its wings across continents. While the league was reluctant to accommodate foreign players in the 80s, the times have completely changed. Currently, there are over 125 foreign players who have undoubtedly taken control of the league. Notably, the last six MVP awardees aren’t from the United States. However, this fact doesn’t seem to sit well with the American fans. And now, Adam Silver further plans to open the gates for the European ballers.

The league recently had a sigh of relief after signing the mammoth media rights deal. Now that Silver has ticked off a massive task on his to-do list, he revealed his plans. Speaking to the Associated Press in Paris, Silver addressed his plans to initiate talks with FIBA regarding the ‘commercial and competitive potential of basketball in Europe’. Moreover, with the media rights cleared and out of the way, the NBA commissioner seemed “much more serious”.

There’s no doubt why Adam Silver eyes the European market. Of course, it’s because of the number game. As per the league’s research, Europe has an estimated basketball fan base of  270 million and the media market is valued at $20 billion. With the whooping numbers on the table, Silver assured, “We want to make sure we have a true grasp of the opportunity… We’ll take the time we need to before we decide to move forward on any initiative.”

Speaking of the NBA’s extension on European soil, the 62-year-old said, “When we first played a preseason game in France, there were zero players from France in the NBA. We now have 14, including the last two No. 1 pick.” It indeed reflected the growth of the game in France. While there isn’t clarity on the mode of extension, Silver stressed that he had no preference on whether to start a new league or a new competition.

Is Adam Silver’s recent European expedition a threat?

It has been a topic of discussion over the last few years. Many analysts argued that the NBA stopped producing American-born superstars, citing the last six MVP winners. Moreover, some even threatened that the league would lose its viewership if it continued to open the gates for foreign players.

However, Silver definitely seemed unfazed by the arguments, as the commissioner only looked to increase the viewership by opening the gate for foreign players. Importantly, it isn’t just the European soil that the NBA should be eyeing. Especially after the impressive performance of South Sudan, the league should also bat its eye at the African ballers.

Speaking of which, NBA insider Anthony Slater said, “That’s the reason the BAL, the Basketball Africa League, and the NBA working hand-in-hand is super important… I’ve watched those games in the spring the last couple of years and the talent that’s coming out of there is great” The league has already an initiative in Africa to scout talents into the league. Notably, the South Sudanese 17-year-old Khaman Maluach has been a product of that initiative. Currently, Maluach has signed up with Duke and the fans can see him dominating the NBA Draft in the coming years.

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